(May 2, 2013) — Kobe Bryant’s recent injury has left many sport fans and even people without much interest in basketball in complete shock. “When I heard about Kobe’s injury at first, I thought it was fake,” senior Rinet Apelian said. “After a couple of days when I heard that he was going to be out for six to nine months, I was shocked and in a state of disbelief.” Bryant injured his achilles heel by tearing his achilles tendon. During the last three minutes of the game at the Staples Center on April 12, Bryant encountered what is putting him to the sidelines for a couple of months. Bryant has been such an inspiration to upcoming athletes and kids going after their dreams of becoming successful players on their favorite sport teams. According to USA Today, most of the aspiring athletes looking up to Bryant were only kids when he was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in 1996. Now in his 17th pro season, Bryant has become a legacy in the sports world where he had the Lakers on the road to success. “I truly believe that Kobe will come back fully recovered and continue to amaze everyone,” Apelian said. Supporters of Bryant’s talent and career have faith that he will come back and play for the Lakers again instead of taking this as a chance to retire. As of now, it is still not known how long recovery will take; however, according to ESPN, six to nine months are expected. Fans are positive that he cannot be replaced, even if he will not be in the spotlight for a while. “There is no way there will ever be another Kobe, let alone take his spot currently,” said senior Suzan Zeitounian. Bryant wrote a Facebook status ranting about the injury and what will happen in his career. He seemed very disappointed with where this might lead his career, often going back and forth on the negative and positive sides. “Maybe I should break out the rocking chair and reminisce on the career that was,” he wrote. “Maybe this is how my book ends.” Bryant’s fan base has high hopes of him getting back into the games the same or better. “One injury will definitely not be the cause to end his career,” Apelian said. “Although there are many young athletes in the NBA with a lot of talent, no one can replace him.”