Lakers C Mihm faces surgery

Feb 12, 2008 - 5:56 PM LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- Los Angeles Lakers center Chris Mihm, sidelined for nearly two months, will undergo surgery on his right heel, according to the Los Angeles Times.

The newspaper reported Tuesday that Mihm will have the surgery this week and is expected to miss another four to six weeks.

Mihm has not played since December 23, when he was forced out of the lineup due to bursitis in his right heel and a sore right Achilles' tendon.

Lakers coach Phil Jackson told the Times that surgery was the best option for Mihm, who could still return before the end of the season.

"We wanted to give Chris a shot to have an opportunity during this time and through the All-Star break to come back perhaps, but it looks like it's going to be a bit longer than that," Jackson said.

Mihm had been with the Lakers on their nine-game road trip but returned to Los Angeles on Monday. He has played in only 19 games this season, averaging 4.1 points and 3.7 rebounds.

Mihm, 28, has had a history of injuries, missing all of last season while recovering from reconstructive ankle surgery.

Los Angeles completes its long road trip on Wednesday against Minnesota before heading into the All-Star break.

The Lakers improved to 6-2 on the trip with a 106-97 win at Charlotte on Monday.