(REUTERS) - Kobe Bryant will make his long-awaited return from injury for the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday at home to the Toronto Raptors, the shooting guard said on his Facebook account on Friday.
The 35-year-old posted a two-minute video link that showed his "No. 24" jersey fluttering through rain and shine, preceded by the inscription: "Seasons of Legend. Lakers announce Kobe's return."
The video segment ended by flashing the words: "The Legend continues. December 8." Bryant has been sidelined since mid-April with a torn left Achilles' tendon but was given full medical clearance to resume all basketball activities midway through last month.
The return of the 15-time All-Star and five-time NBA champion will be a significant boost for the Lakers who are 9-9 this season and sit 12th in the 15-team Western Conference.