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

Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant was nursing a sore shoulder that forced him to miss Tuesday's game against the Orlando Magic. However, he's ready to return.

Continue for updates. 

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Bryant Active vs. Cavaliers

Thursday, March 10

Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News reported Bryant will play Thursday against Cleveland.

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Injury-Plagued Bryant Unwilling to Miss Prolonged Time 

The 37-year-old has battled Achilles soreness, shoulder soreness and a dislocated finger during his final NBA season but recently told reporters he hasn't entertained the thought of taking extended breaks with his time on the professional hardwood dwindling. 

"I can't do that," Bryant said on March 3 when asked if he would take a break to heal, per ESPN.com's Baxter Holmes. "There's like [20 games] left in the season. As much as I can get out there and play, I'll get out there and play. At Staples [Center], I'm going to have to start ramping it up a little bit and getting out there and playing. It's almost a wrap." 

Bryant is averaging just 16.7 points on a career-worst 35 percent shooting from the field this season.