Los Angeles Lakers Rumors: Kobe Bryant Makes One Field Goal Shot in 12 Minutes of Play

Kobe Bryant made his return to the court for the first time in nearly nine months. Although Bryant, 37, was very rusty in the Los Angeles Lakers exhibition game against the Utah Jazz held at the Stan Sheriff Center at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, he remained optimistic, stating that it was "good to get out there."

Bryant played a total of 12 minutes in the Lakers' 90-71 loss. He was 1-of-5 in shooting and recorded five points all in the first quarter. His lone shot was a three-pointer contested by Gordon Hayward.

"It's just getting the timing," said Bryant. "Getting timing. Getting acclimated to that again."

Lakers coach Bryon Scott was pleased with how Bryant moved.

"He was pretty good. He moved well," Scott said. "I told him before we went out, 'Let's just play the quarter and then let's shut it down and see how you feel [Monday]. We'll go through practice and then get ready for Tuesday.'"

Bryant, who is entering the 20th season of his career, tore his right shoulder rotator cuff after only playing in 35 games last season. In this game, Bryant started at the small forward position. 2015 No. 2 draft pick, D'Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson were the starting guards while fellow rookie, Julius Randle started in the power forward position. Roy HIbbert, who the Lakers got in a trade this offseason, was the starting center.

The Lakers will be playing the Jazz again on Tuesday in Honolulu and Bryant is expected to play for a limited amount of time.