MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Kobe Bryant played in his 1,000th career game tonight and hit his first shot of the game, a 3-pointer with 8 minutes, 44 seconds left in the first quarter. He drew a foul on Memphis’ O.J. Mayo and made the free throw to complete a 4-point play. Bryant sat out the Lakers’ last five games because of an injured tendon in his left ankle. He wore a high sock for stability. He also played mostly on the perimeter in the early minutes.

UPDATE: Bryant scored nine points on 3-for-5 shooting and added five rebounds and three assists to help the Lakers take a 27-16 lead by the end of the first quarter.