Lakers star Kobe Bryant will make his return to the lineup Sunday, marking his first game since he suffered an Achille's injury eight months ago.
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Bryant's return was announced Friday afternoon with a Facebook post and two-minute video that shows his No. 24 jersey weathering rain and other adverse conditions. The video, posted on the Lakers' and Bryant's Facebook accounts, ends with a blackscreen and the date of his scheduled return -- "The legend continues... December 8."
The Lakers take on Toronto Sunday at Staples Center after Friday's game at Sacramento.
The All-Star, injured April 12, practiced for a third consecutive day Thursday without setbacks, according to the team.
"My range of motion is a lot better where it's not after the first day or so, or the last time I practiced, where my range of motion became restricted," Bryant said Thursday. "It became kind of locked up and I wasn't able to run, change directions or sprint like I wanted to. I don't feel like I have any limitations, really."
The Lakers are 9-9 without Bryant this season and in search of a third-consecutive road victory. The Lakers also will be without guard Jordan Farmar Friday, who will likely miss four weeks with a hamstring injury.
Guard Steve Nash remains sidelined with a back injury.
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