Bryant Tears Ligament in Pinkie

A pinkie injury Kobe Bryant sustained earlier in the month has taken a turn for the worse, the LA Times reports. Though Bryant's pinkie was initially listed as dislocated, following further aggravation during Wednesday's victory over Minnesota, the digit now has a torn ligament and an avulsion fracture. Bryant, for now, is ruling out surgery which would sideline him for six weeks.

"I would prefer to delay any surgical procedure until after our Lakers season, and this summer's Olympic Games," Bryant said in a statement. We support him in his decision," said GM Mitch Kupchack, adding "But a week or two down the road, if he gets hit again, or if it just doesn't work, it doesn't mean he won't have surgery." (More Kobe Bryant stories.)