Lakers' Henry expected to be ready for 2015-16 following Achilles surgery

Xavier Henry's five-year career has been littered with injuries, generally coming at unfortunate times.

Henry underwent successful surgery to repair a ruptured left Achilles tendon on Tuesday, the latest setback for the once-explosive 23-year-old. While he's expected to make a full recovery in time for the 2015-16 season, he obviously has a long road back.

"I knew exactly what he was feeling," teammate Kobe Bryant said, reflecting on the Achilles tear that cost him the 2013 playoffs and a chunk of the 2013-14 season. "Took me back to that place again. It's an uphill battle. It's a long hill."

Henry managed just 9.6 minutes a night over nine games so far this season, as he was still working off the rust from knee and wrist injuries that derailed a breakout 2013-14. Over five seasons, he'll have played just 185 games, averaging 5.7 points in 15.7 minutes.

Last season, it looked as if Henry may have been carving out a role as a slashing scorer. Head coach Byron Scott said earlier this week that he's not sure Henry will ever be able to get that athleticism back, and Henry's drive-first style of play has contributed to his injuries. If Scott's assessment is accurate, it could be tough for Henry to work his way back to a regular NBA role.