Veteran Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant said he is feeling great after making his long-awaited comeback on Sunday.

Bryant returned to the court for the first time since tearing a rotator cuff in his right shoulder in January as the Lakers lost 90-71 to the Utah Jazz in NBA pre-season.

The 37-year-old played a quarter of basketball - 12 minutes - and posted five points.

Speaking post-game, Bryant said: "[My legs] feel stronger.

"They don't feel tired at all. It's just getting timing down. Getting acclimated to that again. But I feel great."

Bryant, who is entering the final year of his Lakers contract as he prepares for his 20th season in the NBA, was one-of-five from the floor at Stan Sheriff Center in Honolulu.

The five-time NBA champion made a rusty start in his return to action, hitting the side of the backboard with an early three-point attempt.

"He was pretty good," said Lakers coach Byron Scott said. "He moved well.

"I told him before we went out, let's just play the quarter and then let's shut it down and see how you feel [Monday], we'll go through practice and then get ready for Tuesday."