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Lakers' Kobe Bryant will have surgery on injured shoulder

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Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant will have surgery on his torn rotator cuff Wednesday, the team announced

The team said a timetable for his return would be announced after the procedure. According to the National Institutes of Health, recovery from rotator cuff surgery typically takes between three and six months. 

Bryant was injured during the third quarter of the Lakers' game last Wednesday. He returned in the fourth quarter but resorted to shooting jump shots with his left hand. 

MAHONEY: How Kobe Bryant's injury impacts his future​

ESPN's Ramona Shelburne reported Friday that Bryant was expected to miss the rest of the season. If he does not play again this year, it would be the third consecutive season-ending injury for the 36-year-old Bryant.

Bryant is averaging 22.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists this season for the Lakers, who have lost eight in a row. 

- Dan Gartland