Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant will not return this season, according to multiple reports Wednesday.
Bryant has not played since Dec. 17 when he sustained a fractured lateral tibial plateau in his knee during a game against the Memphis Grizzlies. That injury occurred after he missed the first 19 games of the season during his recovery from a torn Achilles in his left leg from last April.
The 35-year-old Bryant was hoping to return from his latest injury in a month to six weeks, but the process has taken longer than expected. According to Bleacher Report, Bryant will be re-evaluated this week by Dr. Steve Lombardo.
Because of the injuries, Bryant will have played in only six games during the 2013-14 season. He averaged 13.8 points and 6.3 assists.
Without him, the Lakers have struggled to a 22-42 record. They have 18 games remaining in the regular season.
Bryant is expected to return to the Lakers next season after signing a two-year contract extension. Only five players on the current roster are under contract for 2014-15.