Kobe Bryant has been informed that he faces at least a further three weeks on the sidelines as his recovery from a knee injury continues.

The 35-year-old has been out of action since fracturing the lateral tibial plateau in his knee in December, and the latest evaluation of his condition has revealed that he is not yet ready to return to training.

Bryant is believed to still be struggling with continued pain, swelling and soreness in his left knee, the Lakers confirmed.

"We're not going to push him to get back," Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak told reporters.

"I don't see why you would. We've made a commitment to him for two more years, and I just don't know why we'd do that.

"But if he feels he's ready and he's in shape and he gets the doctor's approval, then there's no reason why he couldn't do that."

Bryant signed a new contract with the Lakers in November.