Five-time NBA Champion Kobe Bryant will not be returning to the Los Angeles Lakers this season, according to sources, as he continues to rehab a fractured knee.

Bryant suffered the knee fracture in December, which was shortly after he returned from a 19-game hiatus due to a torn Achilles in his left leg. The 35-year-old is starting to run out of time in his career but he just signed a two-year contract in November and he is expected to make a return only when he is ready.

"We're not going to push him to get back," the team's General Manager, Mitch Kupchak said, according to ESPN.com. "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 [push him to come back]. 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."

Last month Bryant was asked about his injuries and a possible return date but he indicated that he just wanted to focus o what he has to do next rather than looking too far down the road.

"I just try to focus, keep my blinders on and just do what I have to do and not worry too much about what's going on around you, but just stay focused on what my responsibilities are."

Bryant averaged 13.8 points in the six games that he played in this season. In his absence, the Lakers have failed to climb out of the deep hole that they have been in and the squad is currently tied for the worst record in the conference.

When do you think Bryant will return? Will he make a full recovery and become a dominant player again or do you think his age is catching up to him?