The Los Angeles Times, citing four sources familiar with the situation, said Friday that Bryant had something similar to platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy in an attempt to help alleviate problems in his chronically aching right knee.

PRP treatment, which takes about an hour and is less invasive than surgery, is said to accelerate healing of tendon and tissue injuries. Blood is drawn from a patient and is spun in a centrifuge, allowing the platelets to become isolated. The platelets, which release healing proteins called growth factors, are then injected back into the patient in the injured area.

Bryant has had problems with his right knee in recent years and last July underwent an arthroscopic procedure to have loose bodies removed.

Despite the continued knee issues, Bryant still played in all 82 games this past season and led the Lakers with an average of 25.3 points per game.