For a second consecutive year, Kobe Bryant's season will end prematurely.

ESPN's Ramona Shelburne reported on Friday afternoon that the torn rotator cuff that the 36-year-old incurred during the Los Angeles Lakers' 96-80 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday will cause Bryant to miss the rest of the season.

The 17-time All-Star only appeared in six games last season due to a left knee injury.

In 35 games this season, Bryant has averaged 22.3 PPG to go along with 5.6 APG, 5.7 RPG and a career-low .373 FG%.

The injury to Bryant marks the third serious loss for the Lakers this season. Veteran point guard Steve Nash was ruled out for the year a week before the season, which was to be his last in the NBA, started due to a lingering back injury. Then, during the Lakers' season opener, rookie Julius Randle, the seventh-overall pick in last June's NBA Draft, broke his right tibia, sidelining him for the rest of the season.

On Thursday night, Bryant was announced as a starter for the Western Conference for the NBA All-Star Game to be held in New York City on February 15.

The Lakers, 12-31, last in the Pacific Division and currently 13.5 games out of a playoff spot, are next in action on Friday night when they visit the defending NBA Champions, the San Antonio Spurs.