SAN ANTONIO -- While the
Bryant went to France with family members either Tuesday or Wednesday, the Los Angeles Times has learned. The Lakers conclude their season Wednesday night against the
A team spokesman said he was unaware of the situation and referred a reporter to Bryant's agent, Rob Pelinka, who did not immediately return a phone call.
Bryant has been in a surly mood since the team's fortunes started sagging, muttering under his breath at last month's team photo that he doesn't like associating with a team so many games under .500.
The Lakers (26-55) have never lost this many games and have been out of playoff contention for a month.
[UPDATED: 2:25 p.m. PDT, April 16: Bryant later tweeted he was trying to forget what happened this season:
S*** season. Flush it. Forget it #amnesia Next Season will be epic #blackout #bussfam
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) April 16, 2014 Bryant was supposed to address Lakers fans before the team's home finale Sunday but showed up at
Bryant has not played since sustaining a fractured knee in December. He appeared in only six games this season, missing the first 19 while recovering from a torn Achilles' tendon.
Bryant, 35, made $30.5 million this season. He is under contract for two more years and $48.5 million.
It's not the first time a Lakers player has ended a season erratically.
Former guard
ALSO:
Preview: Lakers Week 25 predictions