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

Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant was suffering from a shoulder injury and did not play in Tuesday's 92-90 loss to the Dallas Mavericks. However, he's ready to return.

Continue for updates.

---

Bryant Active vs. Bulls

Thursday, Jan. 28

The Lakers announced Bryant will play against the Chicago Bulls on Thursday.

---

Injuries Piling Up In Final Years of Bryant's Career

Bryant's injury history is well-documented by now. Health issues limited him to 41 games over the last two seasons, and an Achilles strain cut into his time on the court earlier this year. Luckily, the Achilles in question wasn't the same one he ruptured in 2013.

The Lakers aren't going to make the playoffs this year, but losing the 17-time All-Star isn't something the team would like to see either way.

This is Bryant's last year in the league. Many expected him to hang it up at the conclusion of this season, and he made it official on the Players' Tribune.

Somewhat lost in the price surge for Lakers tickets on the secondary market was the fact there's no guarantee Kobe will be available near the end of the season or whenever fans plan to see him for the last time. Especially considering he's playing 29.1 minutes a night, you wonder whether Bryant is putting himself at further risk.

Bryant is one of the greatest players of his generation and deserves to end his career on his terms. It's good to see him back on the floor again.