Police said yesterday they were seeking to interview Los Angeles Lakers All-Star guard Kobe Bryant over allegations he sprained the wrist of a man possibly trying to take his picture at a San Diego church.

The man said Bryant, who has won five NBA championship rings with the Lakers, grabbed his wrist and took his phone away, only to give it back when he found no photos of himself or his wife inside, San Diego Police Detective Gary Hassen told Reuters.

"Detectives have the case and are hoping to talk with Mr. Bryant," Hassen said of the incident at Carmel Valley Catholic Church on Sunday.

The man, who was not identified by authorities, was treated for a sprained wrist at a local hospital, Hassen said.

A spokeswoman for the Lakers referred calls regarding the incident to Bryant's agent, who did not immediately return a telephone call and email seeking comment.

Bryant, widely regarded as one of the best finishers of all time in the National Basketball Association (NBA), has played 15 seasons for the Lakers and appeared in 13 All-Star games.

The 32-year-old has twice been an NBA Finals' MVP and has been elected to the All-Defensive First Team by NBA coaches on nine occasions.