2012 NBA All-Star Game: Kobe Bryant Suffers Nasal Fracture

Kobe Bryant is injured. Again.

The All-Star Game's all-time leading scorer suffered what has been reported to be a fractured nose.

Bryant went on the attack with just under nine minutes remaining in the third quarter of the Western Conference's All-Star victory, making a move past Dwyane Wade and heading for the basket. Wade, albeit unintentionally, struck Bryant hard in the face. The blow drew a bit of blood, but it also drew a smile—a promising sign heading forward.

According to NBC Sports, Bryant suffered from postgame headaches that caused him to skip any interviews. Nevertheless, Bryant is expected to return to practice on Monday and start the Lakers' game against Wade and the Heat next Sunday.

For Lakers fans, it has reached the point where an injured Kobe is the same thing as a healthy Kobe. Between his back, fingers, ankles, wrist and knees, it seems as if Bryant is always fighting through something.

This time around, though, Kobe may take things to a new level of toughness.