Byron Scott expects Kobe to play Lakers' next game after bruising leg

Kobe Bryant gave Los Angeles Lakers fans a scare when the 19-year veteran sustained an apparent leg injury against the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday.

Bryant collided with Kings center Kosta Koufos on a drive to the basket midway through the third quarter. Bryant received treatment on the bench, then left the game with what the team called a left lower leg contusion.

Fortunately, Lakers head coach Byron Scott told reporters after the game that Bryant is "fine" and ready to play in the Lakers' next preseason game on Saturday.

Injuries have plagued the final chapters of Bryant's career. The 37-year-old is working his way back from a shoulder injury that limited him to 35 games played last season. The year prior, Bryant played six games between battles with knee and Achilles ailments.

While the Lakers plan to manage Bryant's workload this season, he's already played the 10th-most minutes of any player in NBA history.

Bryant averaged 22.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists last season, while posting career lows in field-goal percentage (37.3) and 3-point percentage (29.3).