Kobe Bryant Injury: Latest Updates on Lakers Star's Shoulder

Kobe Bryant could have used Wednesday night's preseason contest against the Trail Blazers as another chemistry-building exercise with his new teammates, but that's not going to happen.

According to Lakers.com reporter Mike Trudell, Bryant will not play Wednesday evening:

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Kobe Bryant will not play tonight due to a right shoulder strain. He's listed as day to day.

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) October 10, 2012"

Day-to-day injuries aren't the end of the world, especially in the preseason, but the Lakers would still rather see their star player healthy.

Bryant dropped 10 points on 2-of-7 shooting in Los Angeles' preseason debut on Sunday. He played 18:30 minutes, also dishing out three assists.

Icons like Bryant only need to focus on regular-season games and the playoffs; however, at his age anything could be worrisome. At 34 years old, you never know when a simple nagging injury will develop into something more bothersome.

Coming off a season in which he averaged nearly 28 points per game, Bryant still appears to have it on the offensive end. He only shot 43 percent from the floor, but he is still a dangerous scorer whenever he's on the court.

The Lakers carry incredibly high hopes into the 2012 season, after acquiring Steve Nash and Dwight Howard in the offseason.

Bryant is older, but he's still a key piece to their NBA Finals run. He's the only true scorer the team has from the wing. He's also its best perimeter threat and unquestioned leader.

This injury doesn't sound like a big deal. Lakers fans shouldn't panic, but it's something to keep an eye on as the regular season approaches.

Stay tuned for more information.