LA Lakers coach Byron Scott has admitted there were concerns regarding another injury to veteran Kobe Bryant but the latest knock is only thought to be a minor one.

Having had the last three seasons scuppered by serious injuries, it was easy to understand why hearts were in mouths once again when the 37-year-old took a knock to the calf in the 107-100 pre-season defeat to the Sacramento Kings.

The incident happened in the third quarter of the encounter on Tuesday and it was not long before Bryant was seen heading down the tunnel to see the medical team.

Scott has admitted it was a tense moment when the veteran took the knock but after a check-up from the staff, it appears the injury was not as bad as first feared.

He was quoted by ESPN, saying: “You guys know him. He’s about as tough as they come. So I think he’ll be fine for Saturday.
“When [Lakers trainer Gary Vitti] left and went to see him in the locker room, obviously there was concern.

“So when he came back, the first question was, ‘Is he OK?’ I saw it on the replay. It looked like he kind of got kneed in the calf or the knee. Obviously, [we were] concerned.”

It’s not yet known whether Bryant will be risked on Saturday for their encounter with Golden State Warriors, who are 5.50 to win the NBA Championship, in San Diego but if the player himself has a say about it, then it’s likely he will take the court.