Lakers forward Xavier Henry will have surgery on Friday both to treat a torn ligament in his left wrist and repair a cartilage abnormality in his right knee.
The Lakers plan to release timetables after his surgeries, but Henry estimated last week that his knee surgery would involve a recovery that lasts between six to eight weeks. It’s not clear how long it will take for Henry’s left wrist to heal.
Henry averaged 10 points in 21.1 minutes through 43 games before the Lakers shut him down last week amid persisting pain in both his left wrist and right knee. He had missed 28 games because of bone bruises in his right knee and only one game because of his left wrist injury before vowing that he would play through it.
Henry, 23, was selected 12th overall in the 2010 NBA draft, but struggled both to stay healthy and find a role in three uneventful seasons with Memphis and New Orleans where he never averaged more than 5.3 points per game. Lakers coach Mike D’Antoni has praised Henry for his athleticism, driving and work ethic, but noted he needs to make improvements with his ball handling, shooting stroke and playing with more precision when he attacks the basket.
Henry will become a free agent in July after making just under $1 million this season.
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