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Kobe Bryant shares video of doctor diagnosing torn rotator cuff

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The Lakers are awaiting a final decision on the treatment plan for Kobe Bryant and his torn right rotator cuff.

Season-ending surgery remains an option, if not a likelihood, but before a decision is made Bryant will be examined by Dr. Neal ElAttrache of the Kerlan Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic on Monday.

On Saturday, the All-Star guard posted a video clip, above, on The Players’ Tribune, of which he is editorial director, showing his diagnosis by team physician Dr. Steve Lombardo, also with the Kerlan Jobe clinic.

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“There are four muscles for your cuff,” Lombardo says to Bryant. “Unlike this previous MRI, and your ultrasound you had a couple of months ago, this is pulled off. Torn, [muscle] No. 3.”

“It’s pulled off the bone?” Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak asks off camera.

“Yes,” Lombardo answers.

Bryant was injured on Wednesday in a 90-86 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans, although the veteran had previously complained of shoulder soreness.

“The thing I can’t tell is how long you’ve had this injury,” Lombardo said.

After missing all but six games last season with Achilles’ and knee injuries, Bryant has made 35 appearances this year, averaging 22.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists a game.

The Lakers (12-32) are currently in 14th place in the Western Conference.

Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.

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