Kobe Bryant Injury: Updates on Lakers Star's Leg and Return

Kobe Bryant suffered a leg injury in the Los Angeles Lakers' preseason clash against the Sacramento Kings on Oct. 13, when he took a knee to his calf in the third quarter.

Though he left under his own power, NBA.com's Mike Trudell reported Bryant was diagnosed with a left lower-leg contusion. 

Continue for updates.

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Bryant Active for Season Opener

Wednesday, Oct. 28

The Lakers announced Bryant will start in the team's season opener vs. the Minnesota Timberwolves. D'Angelo Russell, who suffered a bruised glute in an Oct. 6 exhibition game, will start as well.  

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How Bryant's Presence Impacts Lakers Lineup

Since 2013, injuries have dogged Bryant. As the 2012-13 regular season drew to a close, he tore his Achilles. Then after he rehabilitated tirelessly, disaster struck during the 2013-14 campaign. Six games into his supposed comeback season, Bryant fractured the lateral tibial plateau in his left knee. 

That string of bad luck carried over into last season, when he made just 35 appearances before suffering a season-ending tear to his right rotator cuff. 

The 37-year-old may not be the dominant force he once was at the center of the L.A. offense, but he's still the team's most dynamic presence on the wing.

Having Bryant in the lineup gives rookie D'Angelo Russell someone to learn from and also allows veterans Nick Young and Lou Williams to take on more complimentary scoring roles.