Lakers’ Bryant suffers torn rotator cuff

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant sustained a torn rotator cuff during the second half of a 96-80 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night in New Orleans.

The Lakers announced Thursday that the findings were the result of a preliminary MRI taken in San Antonio. Bryant was return to Los Angeles on Thursday to undergo further examination by team doctors on Friday.

If the diagnosis is confirmed, the injury would likely require surgery and his season would be over.

“An update on his condition will be issued at that time,” the Lakers said in a statement.

The 36-year-old Bryant has played in 35 games this season after returning from an Achilles injury that sidelined him last year. He is averaging 22.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists for the struggling Lakers, who are in last place in the Pacific Division with a 12-31 record after losing six straight games.