Watch NBA welcome Kobe Bryant back from Achilles’ tendon injury

With Kobe Bryant’s season debut nearing Sunday night, the NBA released a video message on YouTube welcoming the Lakers All-Star guard back from his Achilles’ injury.

The clip shows Bryant through the years at the free-throw line, preparing to take a shot from his early days as a teen with the Lakers all the way to the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics.

The simple words for Bryant read, “Welcome back.”

The Lakers host the Toronto Raptors on Sunday night. Bryant has been out since April 12 after rupturing his Achilles’ in a win over the Golden State Warriors.

Bryant’s last moments on the court, eight months ago, were at the line where he nailed a pair of free throws after he suffered the devastating injury.

Bryant is expected to start at shooting guard alongside Steve Blake, Wesley Johnson, Pau Gasol and Robert Sacre.

The Lakers won 10 of 19 games without Bryant this season.

ALSO:

Mike D’Antoni’s biggest worry? Kobe Bryant’s teammates, not Bryant

Lakers will need to adjust during return of Kobe Bryant

Mike D’Antoni has coached the Lakers to success without Kobe Bryant

Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.