Lakers' Kobe Bryant to return from Achilles injury on Sunday vs. Raptors
Lakers guard Kobe Bryant will make his return on Sunday against the Raptors. (Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty Images)
Kobe Bryant will make his long-awaited return from an Achilles injury when the Lakers host the Raptors on Sunday in Los Angeles.
The announcement came with a two-minute video on Bryant's Facebook page that showed his No. 24 jersey going through rain, snow, thunderstorms and lightning with a "Seasons of Legend" opening title.
"The legend continues," a tagline at the end of the video read. "December 8."
The Lakers posted confirmation of the return on Twitter.
"Kobe announced his return exclusively on Facebook," the official team account noted.
The 15-time All-Star underwent surgery in mid-April to repair a torn left Achilles. Bryant’s initial timeline was set at 6-to-9 months, and a return on Sunday would put Bryant right around the 8-month mark.
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Bryant, 35, averaged 27.3 points, 6 assists and 5.6 rebounds per game last season, earning All-Star and All-NBA First Team honors. He signed a two-year, $48.5 million contract extension with the Lakers back in November. The five-time champion needs just 676 points to move past Michael Jordan for the No. 3 spot on the all-time scoring list.
The Lakers are currently 9-9 without Bryant and will face the Kings in Sacramento on Friday.
