Kobe Bryant up for challenge as recovery progresses

Kobe Bryant has said that he is up for the challenge of returning from injury, as the 35-year-old continues to recover from knee surgery.

The Los Angeles Lakers man has been out of action since the middle of December, but insisted over the All-Star weekend that he is prepared to fight to return to the court.

"It's really the biggest challenge is saying, 'well maybe this is the end'," Bryant told reporters.

"But then again, maybe it's not. And it's my responsibility to do all I can to make sure it's not. So that's really become the next challenge.

"It's coming slowly. I'm optimistic coming out of the break that I will have some improvements once I get back to LA and do a couple follow-ups and then go from there. But it's been a slow process."

The Lakers currently occupy fourth spot in the Pacific Division, with a record of 18-35 for the season.