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Come Fan with UsThursday, June 25, 2026

Kobe Bryant injury: Lakers guard out with right shoulder strain

Lakers star Kobe Bryant will join Dwight Howard on the bench in Wednesday’s exhibition game against the Trail Blazers. The All-Star guard is day-to-day with a right shoulder strain.

Chris Humphreys-US PRESSWIRE - Presswire

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant will not play in Wednesday night’s preseason game against the Portland Trail Blazers due to a strained right shoulder, according to the team’s official Twitter account. While the severity of the injury is not yet known, the team has listed Bryant as day-to-day.

Bryant missed two practices last week due to a right foot injury, but played in the Lakers’ preseason opener on Sunday against the Golden State Warriors. Bryant saw 19 minutes of action, and scored 10 points on 2-for-7 shooting, in the Lakers’ 110-83 loss.

The Lakers will also be without star center Dwight Howard on Wednesday. Howard has been cleared for contact but will not play against the Trail Blazers as he continues to recover from offseason back surgery.

Bryant, 34, is entering his 17th NBA season. He has averaged 25 points, five rebounds and five assists per game in his career. Back in 2003, Bryant underwent surgery on his right shoulder after suffering a torn labrum on a dunk attempt during a playoff game.

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