Jeanie Buss says Kobe Bryant 'worth every penny'

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Jeanie Buss says she doesn't regret giving an injury-plagued Kobe Bryant that two-year $48 million contract extension in 2013.

Buss made the comments Tuesday night to ABC7's Alysha Del Valle at Cal State Fullerton's Center for Family Business. The 53-year-old Buss was saluted at the school's inaugural Hall of Fame Awards banquet.

"He is worth every penny that he's getting paid," Buss said. "I think people don't realize he did take less money than he would have been allowed to take under the collective bargaining agreement."

On Thursday, the Lakers revealed that Bryant had suffered a torn rotator cuff during Wednesday night's game against the New Orleans Pelicans. The team is expected to give an update on his condition on Friday after he is examined by team doctors.

Buss says Bryant is "dedicated to making the Lakers the best that they can be."

"Any team with Kobe Bryant as a part of the organization is going to be better," Buss said, adding that she's optimistic about the future despite this year's struggles.