By Matt Moore

UPDATE: Kobe will play Wednesday, wearing a mask.

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Kobe Bryant may not miss any action after all. (Getty)

You knew Kobe Bryant would do everything in his power to make it back to the floor for Wednesday night's game against the Timberwolves. And early reports indicate that's exactly what's happening. As part of the NBA's new concussion policy, Bryant had to clear a series of neurological tests as well as a series of performance drills without suffering any lingering symptoms of the concussion he suffered from Dwyane Wade's foul during the All-Star Game last sunday. 

Kobe has passed all of the tests mandated thus far (neurological, bicycle, Axon and treadmill).

via Twitter / @LakersReporter: Kobe has passed all of the ....

Bottom line is that if Kobe passes the 2-on-2 hoops test now, & another w/neurologist pregame, he may well be able to play.

via Twitter / @LakersReporter: Bottom line is that if Kob ....

 The Lakers also indicated that Bryant has been symptom-free since yesterday afternoon when the specialist he saw advised an additonal MRI and a visit with the neurologist. Those are all positive signs. While Bryant will try and push through, the team and league will be very cautious with their approach considering the nature of the injury and the fact that his symptoms lasted more than 24 hours. But, you know Kobe...

If Bryant is cleared by the neurologist before the game, he WILL start and play against the Timberwolves.

via Twitter / @LakersReporter: If Bryant is cleared by th ....

We'll keep you updated on Bryant's status before gametime.

By Matt Moore 

Lakers' team reporter Mike Trudell is reporting that Kobe Bryant is still suffering from symptoms of his nasal fracture and concussion sustained Sunday after a hard foul from Dwyane Wade, and is being referred for an MRI. From Lakers.com: 

Kobe Bryant went to see ear, nose and throat specialist Dr. John Rehm on Tuesday after suffering a broken nose at Sunday’s All-Star game, and because Bryant is experiencing further symptoms, Dr. Rehm recommended an MRI and that Bryant see a neurologist.

Bryant, who did not practice with the team on Tuesday, is expected to see the neurologist and undergo the exam this afternoon; the Lakers will provide an update as soon as one becomes available.

via Kobe Bryant Injury Update « Lakers Blog.

With the NBA's new concussion policy stipulating that a player must pass a series of neurologic tests before being cleared for play, Bryant's availability for Wednesday's game against Minnesota in L.A. continues to be in doubt.

Wade told reporters Tuesday he "sent a message" of apology to Bryant during the All-Star Game, whatever that means. The Lakers face the Heat at Staples Center on Sunday. Bryant had told reporters he planned to practice Tuesday but obviously did not, and given the nature of the injury, it's likely that the team will be exceedingly cautious with regards to the injury.

A-Rod says Kobe Bryant almost retired last summer. (Getty Images)

By Matt Moore 

Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez told reporters on Saturday night that Kobe Bryant almost retired because of the pain in his right knee, until he had the experimental procedure performed in Germany done, which he advised A-Rod to also have. From the Los Angeles Times: 

Yet, Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez told reporters Saturday that Bryant told him the pain in his right knee and ankle felt so overwhelming that he considered retiring. That is, until an innovative procedure in Germany this off-season on both his right knee and left ankle fixed everything.

Bryant "was really adamant about how great the procedure was for him," Rodriguez told reporters. "I know that he was hurting before, almost even thinking about retirement, that's how much pain he was under. And then he said after he went to Germany he felt like a 27-year-old again. I was still a little apprehensive about it and he kept staying on me about it."

via A-Rod: Kobe Bryant considered retirement last season - latimes.com.

Can you imagine if Bryant had retired after last season? That his last moments on an NBA floor could have been the sweep from the Mavericks? Instead, the 33-year-old leads the league in scoring, and has scored over 30 points 13 times this season. The Lakers very much remain in position to contend for the West despite front-office turmoil and a disappointing perfromance from his supporting cast, and Bryant is a huge reason why. 

Bryant became the all-time leading scorer in All-Star Game history Sunday, and passed Shaquille O'Neal on the NBA regular season all-time scoring list earlier this year. In the past three years, he's played his way through torn ligaments in his finger and wrist, severe pain in his knee, twisted ankles, and a broken nose and concussion. The words you're looking for are "tough as nails." That we almost lost a giant in this game like that too early in his career is terrifying. Instead, Bryant looks prepared to light up the scoreboard for another half-decade or more, and has talked about wanting to play till he's 40.  

Let's be thankful we get a few more years of prime Bryant.

By Matt Moore 

The Lakers announced Sunday that Kobe Bryant suffered a nasal fracture during the All-Star game after a foul from Dwyane Wade. The Lakers say that Bryant will be re-evaluated Monday by an ear, nose, and throat specialist and is expected to resume practice Tuesday, according to the Orange County Register. 

Update: Yahoo Sports reports that Bryant also sustained a "mild concussion" on the play. If so, Bryant will be subject to the NBA's new concussion policy, which requires league approval for him to return to the court.

Here's video of the play from Wade in the third quarter which resulted in the broken schnoz:  



Clearly a purposeful foul in an All-Star game, which isn't going to endear Wade to Lakers fans. Bryant stayed in the game and passed Michael Jordan for all-time leader in points scored in the All-Star Game. Wade also famously was involved in the injury to Rajon Rondo in last year's Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Celtics.

The Salt Lake Tribune reported that Bryant was suffering from headaches after the game, which lead to him missing media availability after the game.

By Matt Moore 

Spurs guard/forward Manu Ginobili who only returned from injury this week was re-injured against the Clippers in the Spurs' 103-100 win over Los Angeles Saturday. Ginobili sustained a strained left oblique in the the first half and did not return. The Spurs have stated no timetable on him at this time. Most alarming for Spurs fans, ESPN quoted Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich after the game as saying the thought the Spurs had "lost (Ginobili) again." 

The Spurs have won ten straight and weathered the storm without Ginobili exceptionally well during his absence, but not having Manu fully healthy during last year's playoffs significantly hurt their performance against the Grizzlies in the first round. We'll update you with more information when it comes available.

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Posted by Royce Young

Prior to Friday’s game against the Warriors, Thabo Sefolosha sat at his locker with a hard cast on his right foot. The Thunder swingman has been suffering from a lingering tendon injury that's already kept him out of the lineup for 11 straight games.

Recent reports indicated Sefolosha would get a walking boot for the foot, so the hard cast is definitely a bad sign.

The Swiss-born Sefolosha told reporters Friday he’ll miss another month because of the injury. He will wear the hard cast for a week, switch to a walking boot and then rehab for two weeks.

Sefolosha last played on Jan. 27 against the Warriors. Daequan Cook, who has been starting in his place, will continue in that role.

Via NewsOK

By Matt Moore 

The New Orleans Hornets announced Monday night that their best player, Eric Gordon will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Tuesday and will be out up to an additional six more weeks. Gordon, who has missed all but two games since being traded for the Clippers, has had repeated setbacks with the knee injury this year.

There was some concern going into the trade of Chris Paul for the package that  the  Hornets received in return concerning Gordon being injury prone. This only further complicates the Hornets' decision making this summer when they attempt to sign Gordon in restricted free agency at a reasonable value. 

A team statement from Hornets GM Dell Demps, who's pretty much having the worst professional year possible, reads:

“After consulting with our medical staff, we concluded that surgery was the best route and in the best interest of Eric for the long term. We had hoped with rest and rehab, Eric's knee would have healed.” General Manager Dell Demps said. “Eric is eager to return to the court and we are confident Hornet Fans will get to see him soon.”

The Hornets are 5-23 this season after a win over the Jazz Monday night.