Following the news of Kobe Bryant's shoulder injury, the long-time superstar of the Los Angeles Lakers has just opted for season-ending surgery. However, he stresses that he will be back.

Bryant saw Lakers specialist Steve Lombardo last Friday and sports-medicine specialist Neal ElAttrache on Monday right before he decided to take the surgery. While he is expected to take several months off for rest and rehabilitation, he is expected to recover fully.

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The surgery, which will take place this coming Wednesday, will be repairing his torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder. The injury comes at a terrible time for the Lakers who cannot seem to find their footing this season.

This is the third straight season of Bryant that has effectively been cut short due to injuries. Previous injuries included a torn Achilles tendon and a fracture bone in his knee.

People close to the situation are positive that Bryant will be back next season as this is not the way the Black Mamba wants to end his illustrious career in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Ever the warrior, he wants to go out on his shield.

Of course, the US$25 million is also a good reason to go back to the Lakers, but that was not said outright.

While Bryant is out, the 36-year old is looking to be around the Lakers' facilities much more and taking an active role in the team. This is in contrast to Steve Nash who has been largely absent from the team due to back injuries.

Apart from that, Bryant looks to take an active role in the free-agent recruiting aspect of the Lakers. This includes pitches to possible future teammates in June.

The developments in the Lakers organization indicate that they will have enough money for one maximum-salaried free agent or two B-level players.

The Lakers (12-33) are 2-8 without Bryant heading into Tuesday's game against Washington. They have lost eight consecutive games and own the NBA's fourth-worst record. Their season will end April 15.

TagsLos Angeles Lakers, Rotator Cuff, Surgery