Kobe Bryant leaves with lower leg contusion and will not return vs. Kings

— -- LAS VEGAS -- Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant left Tuesday's preseason game against the Sacramento Kings after suffering a lower leg contusion in the third quarter and did not return to the game.

The 37-year-old, who has suffered a season-ending injury in three consecutive seasons, appeared to suffer the bruise on a drive to the rim with 9:19 left in the third quarter at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Bryant checked out of the game and was being tended to by the Lakers' medical staff. He then left the floor unassisted and jogged through the tunnel to the locker room. 

Bryant finished with 10 points on 4-of-12 shooting in 18 minutes.

Bryant, who is entering his 20th season with the team, returned to action this preseason after being out for nine months to rehab a torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder, which ended his 2014-15 season after 35 games.