Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant has been told that he is likely to miss up to nine months after undergoing surgery on his shoulder.
A third straight season-ending injury for Bryant occurred when he tore the rotator cuff in his right shoulder, and the injury means that he is expected to return shortly before the beginning of the new campaign.
However, Lakers head coach Byron Scott has dismissed suggestions that the 36-year-old will struggle to return to the court following his latest setback.
"In my mind right now, he's coming back next year, unless he tells me something different," Scott told reporters.
"It's pretty painful from what I've heard, and the rehab is long."
"But I think the biggest thing with Kobe, as long as [the media are] saying that he's done, he's going to come back. I think he proved his point this year that he still has a lot left in the tank. He's still one of the best players in the league."
Bryant averaged 22.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists in 35 games this season.
Callum Mulvihill
