LOS ANGELES, Feb. 8 (UPI) -- Injured Los Angeles Lakers forward will miss another four to six weeks due to a sprained left ankle, the team said Thursday.
The decision came after the team got a second opinion in Indianapolis Wednesday, during a visit to foot specialist Dave Porter, who said the 6-foot-11 inch Brown also has a bone bruise.
Brown is averaging 8.7 points and 6.6 rebounds in 24 games this season.
He originally was scheduled to return in one to two weeks after injuring the ankle Jan. 31 against Philadelphia. In Brown's absence, 19-year-old Andrew Bynum has impressed Coach Phil Jackson.
"We just have to make do and fight our way through this time," Jackson told the Los Angeles Times. "We know we could use his effort out there. Right now, we're thankful it's given Drew an opportunity to learn some more, play a little bit more."
In 49 games, Bynum has averaged 8.5 points and 6.6 rebounds.
