Lakers vs. Raptors, the return of Kobe
Lakers guard Kobe Bryant elevates for a three-point shot over Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan in the fourth quarter. Bryant would miss all three long-range shots he took, finishing two-of-nine from the field for nine points. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
Kobe Bryant plays for the first time since tearing his left Achilles’ tendon on April 12. The Toronto Raptors won the game, though, 106-94.
Lakers guard Kobe Bryant looks to pass while under pressure by Raptors guard Landry Fields. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
Lakers guard Kobe Bryant is fouled by Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan on a drive Sunday at Staples Center. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
Lakers forward Pau Gasol, left, slaps the ball away from Toronto’s Jonas Valanciunas, center, as Wesley Johnson assists on defense during the Lakers’ 106-94 loss Sunday at Staples Center. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Lakers power forward Jordan Hill grabs an offensive rebound between two Raptors during the game Sunday. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
Lakers guard Kobe Bryant battles for a rebound with Raptors guard Kyle Lowry. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
Lakers guard Kobe Bryant watches his shot go into the basket in the second quarter of his return against the Raptors. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
Lakers guard Kobe Bryant initiates the offense against Raptors guard Landry Fields in the first quarter Sunday evening at Staples Center. (Danny Moloshok / Associated Press)
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Lakers guard Nick Young looks to score against Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas after driving the baseline, but he missed the shot Sunday at Staples Center. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
Kobe Bryant stretches on the bench before re-entering the game. Bryant played 28 minutes in his season debut. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
Lakers guard Kobe Bryant looks to block a shot by Raptors forward Steve Novak in the first half. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
Kobe Bryant reacts after a Lakers turnover in the first half. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Lakers guard Kobe Bryant posts up against Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan in the first half. Bryant played seven minutes to open the game before returning in the second quarter. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
Kobe Bryant waits to be introduced with the other Lakers starters before their game against Toronto. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
Lakers guard Kobe Bryant is greeted by Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong before the game against the Raptors. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
Kobe Bryant is greeted by fans as he takes the court with teammates to warm up for the game against the Raptors on Sunday evening at Staples Center. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Cameramen ascend on Kobe Bryant as he strolls to the Lakers’ locker room before his return to the court against the Toronto Raptors on Sunday evening at Staples Center. (Danny Moloshok / Associated Press)
Kobe Bryant arrives at Staples Center for his season debut against the Toronto Raptors on Sunday evening. Bryant has not played since tearing his left Achilles’ tendon on April 12. (Danny Moloshok / Associated Press)