I've had tendinitis on my left one before and I could still go to the gym, lift weights and do set shots or free throws. but brisk walking, jogging, running, jumping? No Way.
Its the stongest tendon in your body, rupturing it isnt a joke. So is coming back in better from at age 35. I guess this is the way it ends for Kobe, not to say he won't be back, even if he comes back, the Lakers would have already made moves to keep Dwight and make LA his team and prepare for future championships, they have to wait though and have Kobe's 30.5M last year contract to end before they can have the cash to lure an all start SG or SF to join D12.
Business is business. I'm sure the Lakers wont wait for a chance at a ring in 2014/15 with Kobe at 36/37. Derrick Rose is a Diva. He should have played by now. Superstars of before play instantly after they get cleared to practice.