Bryant wins Oscar for animated short film ‘Dear Basketball’

At Sunday night’s 90th annual Academy Awards, Kobe Bryant won another trophy, this one for the Oscar in the animated short category.

Bryant, the retired Los Angeles Lakers star, brought home the golden statue for his contributions to the animated short “Dear Basketball,” based on a poem he wrote in 2015 announcing his impending retirement from professional basketball.

As executive producer, Bryant accepted his Oscar from “Star Wars’’ star Mark Hamill.

He shared the award with Disney animator Glen Keane.

Bryant, who seemed in disbelief and had to take a deep breath as he repeatedly looked at his Oscar, then delivered a message.

“I don’t know if it’s possible,” Bryant retorted. “I mean, as basketball players, we are really supposed to shut up and dribble. But I am glad we do a little bit more than that.”

Holding his Oscar, Bryant later said, “I feel better than winning a championship, to be honest with you. I swear I do.”

Celtics

All-Star guard Kyrie Irving sat out Monday night’s game against the Chicago Bulls because of a sore left knee. Coach Brad Stevens said Irving aggravated the knee in Saturday’s loss to Houston. He felt a little better the following day but was still sore on Monday. Stevens wasn’t sure if Irving will be ready to play Thursday at Minnesota. “It doesn’t sound like it’s a long-term concern, but certainly, it could last through the week,” Stevens said.

Lakers

Forward Brandon Ingram is out for at least a week with a left groin strain. Ingram was injured Thursday against Miami and underwent an MRI Sunday.