Bryant collided with Kings guard Rajon Rondo on a drive to the basket. Bryant briefly stayed in the game before being checked out on the sideline and eventually jogging to the locker room for further evaluation. The Lakers announced the 37-year-old suffered a left lower-leg contusion and would not return. MORE: Lakers have a potential ‘Showtime’ revivalist in Marcelo Huertas
Bryant, who has played through broken fingers and countless sprains, played in just 35 games last season before suffering a torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder in January. It was the third major injury for Bryant in the last two years. He previously suffered a torn Achilles and broke a bone his left leg. Lakers coach Byron Scott said Bryant should return soon.
