As arguably one of the toughest player in the NBA today, Kobe Bryant rarely bows down to any injury that he might suffer throughout the NBA season. This year Kobe has had to deal with torn ligaments in his shooting hand (right) and play in one of the most grueling NBA schedules due to the NBA lockout.

During the NBA All-Star game last weekend in Orlando, Florida, Kobe Bryant had another impressive performance on one of the league’s biggest stages by scoring 27 points which was just under All-Star game MVP Kevin Durant’s 36 points. Even though Kobe put on a show on All-Star Weekend, it didn’t come without a price as he suffered a broken nose and concussion with a hard foul from Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat.

Despite the broken nose and concussion, Kobe Bryant was quickly patched up on the sidelines and got back on the floor. Once back on the floor, Kobe surpassed Michael Jordan for the most points all-time in All-Star game history. The problem after passing MJ’s record was that Kobe was suffering from a headache which was later determined to be a concussion.

Coming into Wednesday night’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Los Angeles Lakers will start their second half of the season, but if Kobe Bryant plays he might have a new look. There is a chance that Kobe could be wearing a protective mask to guard his broken nose against the T’Wolves. If Kobe likes the mask or does feel like it will hurt his game, the Black Mamba will wear the mask similar to the one that Richard Hamilton of the Chicago Bulls has been wearing for years.

There is no telling how long Kobe might have to wear this protective mask, but the team might require it in order to keep their superstar on the floor.

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