Los Angeles Lakers veteran guard Kobe Bryant underwent season-ending shoulder surgery on Wednesday, the NBA team said.
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.
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.
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