Watch CBS News

Kobe Bryant To Have Shoulder Surgery Wednesday

El SEGUNDO (CBSLA.com) — Lakers guard Kobe Bryant will have shoulder surgery Wednesday to repair a torn rotator cuff.

Bryant injured his shoulder last week during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans and was examined Monday morning by Neal El Attrache.

The 36-year-old first had an MRI on Thursday while in San Antonio that revealed the tear.

A timeline estimate for Bryant's return will be issued after the surgery, but rehabilitation is typically three to six months.

Bryant's past two seasons with the Lakers ended early after he suffered a broken knee bone and a torn Achilles tendon. The operation will mark Bryant's third-straight season-ending surgery.

Ultimately, Bryant will have missed 123 games to injuries over the past two seasons.

"We all know how tough (Kobe) is, and he's a trooper," Lakers Coach Byron Scott said. "So, I pray that the surgery is obviously successful, and that his return will be sooner (rather) than later."

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.