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Thursday, June 5
All-Star guard could miss summer tourney
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ESPN.com news services
Los Angeles Lakers All-Star Kobe Bryant will need offseason surgery on his right shoulder, according to a report by ESPN's Jim Gray.
But in a statement Thursday, the Lakers said Bryant will seek a second opinion before making a final decision on whether to proceed with surgery.
Bryant underwent an MRI exam Wednesday on his shoulder at Kerlan Jobe Medical Center. Results showed a labrum tear in his right shoulder.
The 6-8 guard was scheduled to play with the U.S. team at this summer's Olympic qualifying tournament in Puerto Rico, Aug. 20-31. Not only is Bryant expected to miss that tournament, he may also be in jeopardy of missing the start of the 2003-04 NBA season, according to Gray.
Bryant originally injured his shoulder April 22 in Game 2 of the Lakers' first round playoff series against Minnesota. But he continued to play until the Lakers were eliminated by San Antonio in the second round.
Despite the injury, Bryant averaged 32.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.2 assists in 12 playoff games.
After the decisive Game 6 of that series, which ended the Lakers' three-year reign as NBA champions, Bryant said: "I'm ready to get right in the gym tonight and start getting ready for next year. I don't like this feeling. I really don't. And I don't want to have this feeling ever again."
His return to the gym now could be a much longer wait.
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