Lakers general manager expects Kobe back

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. [Photo/Agencies]

WASHINGTON -- The Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak said Thursday that he doesn't believe Kobe would retire due to the recent season-ending shoulder injury.

"I don't think he's retiring," Kupchak said.

Kobe is expected to recover for nine months from his third straight season-ending injury, a torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder.

If Kobe made it smoothly, he could return to the court before the start of the next season, which would be his 20th NBA season.