Kobe Bryant recently gave Lakers fans hope that he would be back by the All-Star game but when he came to New York to play the Knicks he said he didn’t have a timetable on his return and would have to check with his doctor.  Sad news as it turns out Kobe won’t be back so soon.

The Lakers released this statement Tuesday night:

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant was examined prior to tonight’s game by team physician Dr. Steve Lombardo and still has pain and swelling in his left knee. Bryant will continue with a program of non-weight bearing exercise, consisting mostly of working out on a stationary bike. He will be examined again in approximately three weeks.

Bryant suffered a fractured lateral tibial plateau (bone connecting shin and knee) on December 19 and was expected to be out for six weeks which would be a Thursday, January 30 return.

Kobe was voted as a starter in the All-Star game despite asking fans to vote for Damian Lillard.  Many speculated if he would give up his spot but now it looks like he might not have a choice.

I’m sure Lakers fans want Kobe back on the court as he much he himself wants to be playing but at 35 years old and coming off an Achilles injury it isn’t wise to rush back especially when the Lakers playoff chances are pretty miniscule.

h/t CBS Sports

– Shaina Auxilly (@Shay_Marie)