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Lakers say Kobe Bryant has torn rotator cuff

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant reacts from the bench during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the New Orleans Pelicans, Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015, in New Orleans. The Pelicans won 96-80. (AP Photo/Jonathan Bachman)
Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant reacts from the bench during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the New Orleans Pelicans, Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015, in New Orleans. The Pelicans won 96-80. (AP Photo/Jonathan Bachman) Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant reacts from the bench during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the New Orleans Pelicans, Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015, in New Orleans. The Pelicans won 96-80. (AP Photo/Jonathan Bachman)

By Associated Press 1 min read

LOS ANGELES (AP) – Kobe Bryant has a torn right rotator cuff, the Los Angeles Lakers say.

The Lakers made the announcement Thursday.

Bryant injured his right shoulder in the second half of the Lakers’ loss at New Orleans on Wednesday night. An MRI exam in San Antonio revealed the tear, the club says.

Bryant briefly returned to the game and played essentially with one arm after the injury. He is a right-handed shooter.

Bryant is the third-leading scorer in NBA history, but he played in just six games over the previous 18 months before this season began after recovering from two major leg injuries.