The Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Clinic's Neal ElAttrache, MD, and Steve Lombardo, MD, performed rotator cuff surgery on NBA all-star Kobe Bryant on Wednesday morning, the LA Times reports.
The Los Angeles Lakers said Mr. Bryant could return in as little as nine months.
As chatter that Mr. Bryant may retire following this injury, Dr. ElAttrache said he's optimistic that the all-pro could be ready for the last year of his contract, currently slated for next season.
"I expect Kobe to make a full recovery and if all goes as expected, he should be ready for the start of the season," the surgeon said in a statement.
Mr. Bryant played only 35 games this year, his 19th season.
Both Dr. ElAttrache and Dr. Lombardo have been assisted Mr. Bryant with injuries for the past several seasons, including a torn ACL last year.
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