Kobe On Torn Rotator Cuff: ‘This Is What Happens When I Pass Too Much’

On Wednesday against the New Orleans Pelicans, Kobe Bryant aggravated a shoulder injury that has been bothering him since the start of the season. An MRI revealed a torn rotator cuff and doctors will examine the injury on Friday to determine if it will require season-ending surgery.

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With potentially his third consecutive season-ending injury, Kobe tweeted about the torn rotator cuff and jokingly said it was a result of passing the basketball too much:

This is what happens when I pass too much! #ShoulderShock thank u all for ur thoughts and prayers #team @DrinkBODYARMOR @Lakers #oneluv

— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) January 23, 2015

After playing major minutes in the first 27 games of the 2014-15 season, the high usage rate ultimately took a toll on Kobe’s body, which forced the 36-year-old to rest numerous games. Since his return, head coach Byron Scott has limited him to 32 minutes per game while sitting him out of games when necessary in hopes of preserving his body for next season.

Since the first quarter of the season, Kobe has adjusted his game to become more of a facilitator for the Lakers. As a result, the five-time champion set a new career-high in assists with 17 against the Cleveland Cavaliers recently and ranks ninth in the NBA in assists.

Lakers Kobe Bryant Tears Rotator Cuff