Kobe Bryant’s season over after surgery to repair torn rotator cuff

NBA legend Kobe Bryant has undergone season-ending shoulder surgery and will be out for about nine months, the LA Lakers have confirmed.

FILE - In this Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015, file photo, Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant sits on the bench during the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans. Bryant tore his right rotator cuff in the Los Angeles Lakers' latest defeat, the club announced Thursday. Bryant was examined Monday, Jan. 26, 2015, by Dr. Neal ElAttrache of the Kerlan Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic. Dr. ElAttrache confirmed an earlier diagnosis of a torn rotator cuff, and advised Bryant to have surgery to repair the shoulder. Bryant has agreed, and surgery has been scheduled for Wednesday morning. A timeline estimate for Bryant’s return will be issued following the surgery. (AP Photo/Jonathan Bachman, File)

LOS Angeles Lakers veteran guard Kobe Bryant underwent season-ending shoulder surgery on Wednesday, the team has confirmed.

The two-hour surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder was performed by Dr Neal ElAttrache. The recovery time is expected to be nine months.

“I expect Kobe to make a full recovery and if all goes as expected, he should be ready for the start of the season,” said ElAttrache.

Kobe Bryant suffered the rotator cuff injury in last this week’s loss at New Orleans.

The 19-year veteran and five-time NBA champion suffered the injury in last Wednesday’s 96-80 loss at New Orleans.

It’s the third straight year Bryant has endured a season-ending injury, after a torn Achilles tendon in April 2013 and a broken bone in his knee last season.

The 36-year-old averaged 22.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists in 35 games this season.

Originally published as Kobe Bryant’s season over after surgery to repair torn rotator cuff