Los Angeles Lakers center Vlade Divac has a herniated disc in his lower back and is not expected to be ready when training camp begins Oct. 5.
"We don't expect he'll be ready for the start of training camp, but at this time it's too early to target a return date," team spokesman John Black said Friday. "We'll have a better idea next week, when he's re-evaluated."
Black said the 2.16m Serbian hurt himself several days ago when he made a spin move during an informal workout at the Lakers' training facility. An MRI exam Thursday revealed the extent of the injury.
Beginning Oct. 5, the Lakers will train at the University of San Diego for about 10 days. Their first National Basketball Association preseason game is scheduled for Oct. 12 against the Seattle SuperSonics in Anaheim.
Divac, 36, signed a two-year contract with LA that will reportedly pay him US$4.9 million this season.
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