Kobe Bryant Injury: Updates on Lakers Star’s Knee and Recovery

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant suffered a minor left knee injury in the team's 96-92 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Dec. 17, but he indicated after the game he doesn't expect to miss any time.

Lakers.com's Mike Trudell spoke to Bryant after the contest, who claimed that he "twisted" the knee after bumping into Tony Allen midway through the third quarter:

Bryant told me that he "twisted" his knee "a little bit," and that it's "a little stiff." Should be OK for Friday vs. MIN.

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) December 18, 2013 Bryant sustained the injury while working against Allen and seemed to be in a decent amount of pain. He was on the FedExForum floor for a short period before making his way to the sideline with a grimace, where he was worked on by head Lakers trainer Gary Vitti. Xavier Henry entered the game for Bryant with 2:47 remaining in the third quarter, and he didn't return until almost the midway point of the fourth.

He then played the rest of the game without incident, finishing with 21 points, five rebounds and four assists on 9-of-18 shooting. 

In six games since returning from a torn Achilles, Bryant is averaging 13.8 points, 6.3 assists and 4.3 rebounds. His performance overall has been a mixed bag, highlighted by a promising willing to pass and his lowlights coming via turnover issues. Tuesday was the third time since returning that Bryant had broken the 20-point barrier; he has scored under 10 points in the other three contests.

The Lakers, who started 10-9 without their franchise player, are 2-4 with him in the lineup. They've actually been a markedly worse team on both ends with him on the court, as the Lakers try to meld coach Mike D'Antoni and Bryant's preferred styles. 

Los Angeles has two days off before its next game, a home contest Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves. It's unclear whether Bryant would have been...

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