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Come Fan with UsTuesday, August 4, 2026

Kobe Bryant injury: Lakers star officially returning Dec. 8 vs. Raptors

Bryant and the Lakers have officially announced he will make his return to the team on Sunday.

Kobe Bryant will return to the Los Angeles Lakers' lineup when they host the Toronto Raptors on Sunday, he officially announced on his Facebook page. This will be his first game since tearing his Achilles against the Golden State Warriors on April 12. He will have completed his return in under eight months.

The Lakers-Raptors game will be aired on NBATV and is scheduled to tip-off at 9:30 p.m. ET.

Here’s the two-minute video launched as the announcement on Facebook for his return to the Lakers’ lineup:

Silver Screen and Roll: Cherishing Kobe's return

Bryant received full medical clearance to return to basketball activities on Nov. 18 and has been practicing with the team for the past month. The Lakers built up an even 9-9 record to open the season without Bryant despite Steve Nash also missing extended time due to nerve issues with his back.

The team next plays the Sacramento Kings Friday before returning to Los Angeles to host Toronto and the return of Kobe Bryant on Sunday.

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