EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- Los Angeles Lakers All-Star Kobe Bryant could miss up to six weeks because of a torn ligament in the small finger of his right hand, the team announced Thursday.

Bryant was examined by a hand specialist in Los Angeles after aggravating a dislocation in Wednesday's 117-92 win over Minnesota. The league's second-leading scorer was diagnosed with a complete tear of the radial collateral ligament, an avulsion fracture, and a volar plate injury at the MCP joint of the small finger of this right hand.

He originally dislocated the finger on Feb. 5 in a game at New Jersey.

Bryant was examined by Dr. Steven Shin, who recommended surgery to repair the ligament, which could keep Bryant out of the lineup for about six weeks. Bryant, however, said he hoped to delay any surgery until after the season, and this summer's Olympics.

"My current thinking is to give my finger some treatment and rest for a few days, and hope I can still continue to compete at a high level after that rest," Bryant said. "But, this is an injury that myself and the Lakers' medical staff will just have to continue to monitor on a day-to-day basis."

Because of the All-Star break, the Lakers don't play again until Feb. 19 against Atlanta.

Through 52 games this season, Bryant is averaging 28 points, 5.3 assists, and 6.1 rebounds per game. The 28 points are second-best in the NBA.

Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki will replace Bryant in the Three-Point Shootout on All-Star Saturday Night in New Orleans. However, the NBA indicated that Bryant would still play in the All-Star Game Sunday.