Kobe Bryant Injury: Concussion Symptoms Knock Lakers' Star Into Uncertain Status

PHOTO: Kobe Bryant Is Wearing A Mask

Kobe Bryant Injury: Concussion Symptoms Sideline Lakers Star

Few could have predicted that the 2012 NBA All-Star Game would involve a notable injury, and fewer still would have imagined that Kobe Bryant would be the superstar that ended up being sidelined as a result. Dwyane Wade drew blood with a foul on Bryant in the third quarter of the exhibition game. Early CT scans showed a nasal fracture, but there was a further injury update on Tuesday.

Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times reported that Bryant has been diagnosed with a concussion. He is currently listed as day-to-day and is doubtful for Wednesday night's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Bryant will again see neurologist Vern Williams on Wednesday, but the NBA's new concussion policy makes it hard to envision Bryant playing against the Timberwolves.

According to the policy set in motion this season, after a player is symptom-free for 24 hours, he must complete a series of steps to confirm he's healthy enough for competition. The steps are increasing stages of exertion from a stationary bike to jogging to agility work to non-contact drills while ensuring the symptoms didn't return after each stage.

At that point, there would have to be consultation with the neurologist in charge of the NBA's concussion program before Bryant was cleared to play.

Bryant would have to be symptom-free Tuesday evening and be able to complete the stages 24 hours later before the Lakers take the court against Minnesota.

It is unlikely that Bryant will miss significant playing time, but he is likely none too pleased at the prospect of missing even Wednesday night's game.

For all news and information regarding Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers, please visit Silver Screen and Roll.

Kobe Bryant Injury Update: Lakers All-Star Will Visit Ear, Nose And Throat Specialist

Kobe Bryant isn't the type of player that people typically worry about missing any games, but his status for Wednesday night's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves is currently up in the air. The Los Angeles Lakers superstar is visiting an ear, nose and throat specialist on Tuesday to further diagnose his injuries.

Bryant's status won't be determined until seeing the specialist on Tuesday, according to the Los Angeles Times' Mike Bresnahan. The visit was originally scheduled for Monday, but apparently was delayed for unknown reasons.

Bryant suffered a broken nose and mild concussion during the All-Star game, according to a team release, but no timetable was set for his return. It seems Tuesday's visit to the specialist will determine if the Black Mamba will be forced to miss any time, or if he's simply forced to wear a protective mask.

The Lakers are set to play the Wolves on Wednesday, the Detroit Pistons on Friday and then will meet up Sunday afternoon with the Miami Heat. If Bryant is forced to miss any time, it's expected he'll do his best to make it back by the Heat game, considering it was Dwyane Wade who committed the foul to break Bryant's nose.

For more on Bryant and the Lakers, visit Silver Screen and Roll.

Kobe Bryant Injury: Lakers Star Has Nasal Fracture, Team Announces

Kobe Bryant, who was forced to leave the 2012 NBA All-Star Game after a hard foul to the face from Dwyane Wade and complained of headaches after the game, was originally feared to be concussed. That's not so: Kobe has a nasal fracture, the Los Angeles Lakers announced late Sunday.

While a CT scan revealed Bryant's nasal fracture on late Sunday, he is expected to be re-examined by an ear, nose and throat specialist in Los Angeles on Monday.

Bryant and the Lakers do not play until Wednesday, when the Minnesota Timberwolves come to Los Angeles, and it is not clear whether Bryant will miss any time with the injury, or be forced to wear a protective mask.

One thing that seems relatively certain, though? If healthy, Bryant will be highly motivated next Sunday, March 4, when his Lakers meet Wade's Miami Heat for the only time in the 2011-12 season.

For more on Bryant and the Lakers, visit Silver Screen and Roll.

Kobe Bryant Injury: Lakers Star Having Headaches, Will Be Evaluated For Concussion

Kobe Bryant getting hit in the head during the 2012 NBA All-Star Game seemed innocuous at the time. But Bryant is having headaches and will be further evaluated, likely for a concussion.

VIDEO: Dwyane Wade Hammers Kobe Bryant, Draws Blood At NBA All-Star Game