Kobe Bryant undergoes shoulder surgery, expected to be out 9 months

Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant underwent successful surgery on his injured shoulder and will be out for nine months, the team announced on

Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant underwent successful surgery on his injured shoulder and will be out for nine months, the team announced on Wednesday. 

Earlier this week, it was announced that Bryant would have surgery on his torn right rotator cuff and that he was likely done for the season. Bryant injured himself during the third quarter of the Lakers' game last Wednesday against the New Orleans Pelicans. 

“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 Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who performed Bryant's surgery. 

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In 35 games this season, Bryant averaged 22.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists. Not including the 2013-14 season, in which he was limited to just six games, Bryant's 22.3 points per game is his lowest total for a season since 1998-99. 

Bryant, 36, signed a two-year contract extension with the Lakers in November 2013. 

- Stanley Kay