Kobe Bryant expected to miss rest of season

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 23 (UPI) -- The Los Angeles Lakers expect Kobe Bryant to miss the rest of the season, according to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne. The team fears that Bryant, who has a torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder, will need season-ending surgery.

The Lakers are evaluating Bryant Friday and will likely make an announcement soon. Bryant was recently voted to start for the Western Conference All-Star team.

Bryant is averaging 22.3 points, 5.6 assists, and 5.7 rebounds this season.