Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant has decided to undergo shoulder surgery on a torn rotator cuff he sustained against the New Orleans Pelicans last week.
The Lakers have confirmed that the procedure will take place on Wednesday, and it will rule Bryant out for the rest of the season.
The 36-year-old took the weekend to consider his options, but ultimately opted to undergo surgery which will require several months of rehabilitation.
"Kobe is probably not going to play [again this season]", Lakers coach Byron Scott told reporters.
"We all know how tough he is. He's a trooper, so we pray for him that his return will be sooner rather than later."
It is a third straight season-ending injury that Bryant has suffered and it comes after he was averaging 22.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists in 35 games this season.
