AP Photo/Mark J. TerrillLos Angeles Clippers forward Robert Covington told reporters on Tuesday that he considered retiring after suffering a bone bruise in his right knee.
According to Farbod Esnaashari of Sports Illustrated, Covington said that he was ready to walk away from the game at one point.
The injury happened during the Minnesota game against New Orleans. He missed the rest of the season before returning in October.
"People don't understand all the things we go through." said Covington. It can eat you if you are not in the right mental space.
After playing for the Minnesota and L.A. teams, he was traded to the Clippers on February 4.
He gave a reason why he didn't quit the game three years ago.
"My family was watching me play, and I knew I wasn't ready to leave."
In Tuesday's road win over the Rockets, the 31-year-old posted seven points, eight rebound and four blocks in 22 minutes off the bench, but he said he was robbed of three more blocks.
The Clippers are 33-31 and have won four straight and seven of their last six. Three years ago, L.A. left the NBA, but his teammate Nicolas Batum said he was glad he stayed.
Nicolas Batum @nicolas88batum. @Holla_At_Rob33 I’ve been there brother, glad you on the team and you didn’t give up💪🏽 https://t.co/W638PlGANB
The Los Angeles Lakers will be looking for their fifth straight win when they face the L.A. team on Thursday. In the last time he faced the Lakers, he had 10 points, seven rebound, three blocks and two steals in 20 minutes off the bench in a 105-102 win.
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