Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant has stated that he believes his previous Achilles injury has spurred him on to ensure that he makes a successful return to the game.

The player has been looking impressive during pre-season practise for the Lakers, with the veteran suggesting that his last injury presented itself as a challenge to see if he could recover.

"I think the Achilles injury just ignited a new challenge for me personally to see if I can do this, right?" said Bryant, according to the Los Angeles Times.

"Because you don't know. So it's a challenge that presented itself to see if I can make this a successful comeback."

The Lakers' first competitive season game sees them take on the Houston Rockets on October 28.