Kobe Bryant out in third quarter vs. Kings with lower leg contusion

— -- LAS VEGAS -- Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant left Tuesday's 107-100 preseason loss to 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 when he was kneed in the left calf 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 walked briskly through the tunnel to the locker room. 

Coach Byron Scott said the injury wasn't serious and Bryant would likely play in the Lakers' next preseason game against the Golden State Warriors.

"You guys know him. He's about as tough as they come," Scott said. "So I think he'll be fine for Saturday."

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.