Kobe Bryant injures shoulder in loss to Pelicans

Kobe Bryant left a game because of a sore right shoulder from a third-quarter dunk, unable to finish in the fourth after firing up two shots, both with his left hand, in a 96-80 loss Wednesday to the New Orleans Pelicans.

The Lakers said there would be an MRI exam Thursday, but Bryant didn't seem concerned. He was more interested in discussing his pitch to would-be free agents in July.

"It's a pretty simple message. It's the best organization in the world, best brands in the world," he said, reluctant to name names because of the NBA's tampering rules. "We win championships. That's what we do."