OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant has returned to the game against Oklahoma City after heading to the locker room with a right elbow injury.

Bryant came out of Tuesday night's game in the first quarter with what a team spokesman called an ulnar nerve contusion. He was able to return after missing about 4 1/2 minutes.

Bryant airballed his first shot of the game from 3-point range and was grabbing at his elbow while Earl Clark shot free throws early in the game. The Thunder's Kevin Durant later stole the ball from him and the two tangled arms, with Bryant being called for a foul.

Bryant came out of the game and immediately headed to the locker room with a trainer. Upon his return, his first attempt was a left-handed hook shot but he then drilled a jumper from the left wing.