Kobe Bryant challenges Dwight Howard to play through shoulder injury

Matt Brady photo via bleacherreport.com Dwight Howard went down with a shoulder injury last week and the Lakers may need him now more than ever. Pau Gasol heard a “pop” in his foot during last night’s game against the Nets and may miss significant time. Bryant seemed to challenge Dwight Howard when speaking to  Brian Windhorst of ESPN: “He’s probably worried about the damage in his shoulder,” Bryant said. “I don’t think he’s ever had to play through injuries in his career. I think it’s a new experience for him.” “When I was growing up, going through high school and middle school, unfortunately but fortunately I dealt with injuries,” Bryant said. “Not injuries that were debilitating but injuries you have to play through where you have to manage the pain. When you go through those things you learn your body and what you can push through. “But Dwight has never been hurt. The [back injury last season] was debilitating and he couldn’t play. When you have an injury that hurts you but you can play through it that’s something you have to balance out and manage and he’s never really had to do that.” Early reports suggest Gasol could miss at least a month with his foot injury. Gasol is getting an MRI on his foot to see if he tore his plantar fascia. The Lakers are on the outside looking in for a playoff spot in the Western Conference and may need Howard to play through his shoulder injury for any chance of reaching the postseason. Sports-Kings - The Kings of Sports Lists