Kobe out for season

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant had surgery Saturday on his torn Achilles tendon, ending the season for the 15-time All-Star. Lakers trainer Gary Vitti thinks Bryant will need six to nine months for recovery from the most serious injury of his 17-year NBA career. Vitti and Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak both believe the 34-year-old guard could be back for their season opener in the fall. Bryant completely tore his left Achilles tendon late in the Lakers’ win over Golden State on Friday night after pushing off his planted foot in an ordinary move toward the hoop. Although he stayed in the game to hit two tying free throws with 3:08 to play, Bryant’s season was over. His foot will be immobilized for about a month. The Lakers have two games remaining in their playoff push. – AP