{"playerId":22,"percentChange":0.1,"averageDraftPosition":7.7,"percentOwned":80.2,"playerRaterSEASON":14,"playerRater7DAY":-2.2,"mostRecentNews":{"news":"Bryant had the stitches removed from his torn left Achilles tendon, the Los Angeles Daily News reports.","spin":"This is good progress for Bryant, albeit a small step, as he is just roughly two and a half weeks removed from tearing his left Achilles tendon. Bryant is expected to stay sidelined from any rehab activities for at least the next month. Altogether, he is expected to be out six-to-nine months.","date":"Tue Apr 30"},"fullName":"Kobe Bryant","seasonOutlook":{"outlook":"Kobe might be getting up there in age (34) and mileage, but his decline hasn't been as quick as many expected: He averaged 27.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.5 3-pointers while shooting 84.5 percent from the line in 2011-12. In doing so, Kobe quieted many critics who believed he'd struggle with the tough scheduling of the shortened season. But new questions now face Bryant as he enters his 17th professional season. The arrival of Steve Nash and Dwight Howard gives Kobe more firepower to make another run at a title, but will it come at the expense of his stats? Expect a decrease in numbers across the board, particularly in the assist category, as Kobe won't dominate the ball as much as he has in the past. That said, any reduction in numbers should come with a corresponding bump in field goal percentage as Nash and Howard will create more open looks for Bryant. While his numbers might dip, fantasy owners shouldn't downgrade Kobe too much in 2012-13. He's still a great foundation player to build a team around thanks to his ability to produce and dominate in multiple categories.","seasonId":2013,"date":"Wed Oct 10"},"playerRater30DAY":9.2,"playerRater15DAY":10,"positionRank":2}