How An Achilles Tear Affects NBA Players (Or, Why Kobe Is Screwed)

The Lakers season begins tonight with their home opener against the Clippers, but Kobe Bryant won't be playing. Bryant tore his Achilles tendon on April 12, and while he's still "ahead of schedule" in his six-to-nine-month recovery, he still hasn't begun running. He will miss at least the first several weeks of the season, but some missed time in November is the least of his problems. An achilles tear is a devastating injury for an NBA player; here's our look at exactly how bad the outlook has been for other NBA players from back in April.