Kobe cleared to play after concussion

Posted Feb 29 2012 10:07PM - Updated Feb 29 2012 10:30PM

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Kobe Bryant received clearance to play for the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night, not missing a game after breaking his nose and getting a concussion in the All-Star game.






Bryant was declared symptom-free by his neurologist about an hour before the Lakers hosted the Minnesota Timberwolves in their first game back from the All-Star break. Dr. Vern Williams said Bryant improved markedly after an exam Tuesday, meeting all the clinical guidelines for returning to action.

"We'll watch him very carefully, and we'll see how he does," Williams said.

Bryant had headaches and nausea shortly after getting hurt Sunday on a hard foul from Dwyane Wade in his 14th All-Star game, in which Bryant became the leading scorer in All-Star history. His concussion was diagnosed Tuesday, and Bryant complained of neck soreness Williams likened to whiplash.

None of it could sideline Bryant, who leads the NBA in scoring with 28.4 points per game. He is the fifth-leading scorer in NBA history with 28,834 points.

"Kobe is Kobe," Lakers coach Mike Brown said. "I don't think he ever wants to sit out. If he had two broken legs, (he would say), `Tape this one, and staple this one, and let's go."'

Bryant was tested on a stationary bike, a treadmill and the court earlier Wednesday, and he participated in a 2-on-2 game at the Lakers' training complex under supervision. Brown said Bryant looked normal, and Williams administered a final exam at Staples Center before the game.

Bryant's broken nose still is tender, and the Lakers' training staff gave him a protective mask. Bryant was expected to try it out during warmups before deciding whether he would play in a mask.

The Lakers open a three-game homestand against Minnesota. Wade and the Miami Heat will visit Staples Center on Sunday (http://www.nba.com/2012/news/02/29/kobe-bryant-cleared.ap/index.html)