Kobe Bryant sits 2nd straight game due to shoulder soreness

Kobe Bryant sat out a second consecutive game when his Los Angeles Lakers hosted the Phoenix Suns on Friday, as he continues to be bothered by a sore right shoulder.

Friday marks the sixth time in 10 games that Bryant's right-shoulder pain has forced him to the sidelines, despite originally being ruled probable for the game against Phoenix.

Bryant - who underwent season-ending surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff in his shoulder last January - has continued to struggle shooting the ball in his final season, averaging 16.8 points on an effective field goal percentage of 41.3.

The Lakers have 13 games remaining following Friday's contest, and Bryant has been adamant about not shutting down his final season prematurely.