Lakers’ Kobe Bryant expected to miss NBA All-Star game

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, fourth from left, sits on the bench as he watches teammates play against the Boston Celtics during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in Boston, Friday, Jan. 17, 2014. Bryant has been sidelined after fracturing his left knee in December. AP

LOS ANGELES –  Kobe Bryant is expected to miss the NBA All-Star game due to continued pain and swelling in his injured left knee.

The Los Angeles Lakers provided an injury update Tuesday, saying the superstar guard will be out for at least three more weeks before he is re-examined. Bryant was voted a starter in the All-Star game in New Orleans on Feb. 16 – less than three weeks away.

Lakers team physician Steve Lombardo examined Bryant after the team returned from a two-week road trip for Tuesday’s home game against Indiana.

Bryant broke a bone in his knee Dec. 17, just six games into his comeback from a torn left Achilles tendon.

Bryant will continue with a program of light exercise, including time on a stationary bike.