Kobe Bryant plans to return from injury next season

Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant has insisted that he plans on returning next season after undergoing shoulder surgery on Wednesday.

The 36-year-old suffered a torn rotator cuff last week, and had been ruled out for the rest of the season and given a nine-month recovery timetable.

However, when asked as to whether or not he would be ready to play come September for training camp, Bryant was confident that he would be healthy.

"Yeah, that's the plan. Just have to be patient," he told reporters.

"Sore, but it's okay. I don't really listen much to what people have to say [about my future], to be honest with you."

Bryant has suffered season-ending injuries for three consecutive years, but general manager Mitch Kupchak is also confident that he will play next season.