LOS ANGELES, Feb. 3 (UPI) -- Los Angeles Clippers center Michael Olowokandi had a successful exploratory procedure on his injured left knee Monday.
Olowokandi was placed on the injured list Friday with a sprained left knee. Dr. Arthur Ting performed the surgery at the Fremont Surgery Center in northern California.
"The surgery revealed an erosion behind the knee cap, which was repaired successfully," Clippers teams orthopedist Dr. Tony Daly said. "Michael is expected to be out of action for a period of three to four weeks and will immediately a begin a full rehabilitation regimen under the direction of the team's training staff."
Olowokandi is averaging 12.3 points, 9.1 rebounds and 2.2 blocks in 36 games this season.
The top pick in the 1998 draft, Olowokandi has endured knee problems on and off all season, missing all eight of the Clippers' preseason games with tendinitis.
The Nigerian started the Clippers' first 17 regular season contests, but also was on the injured list in December and sat out five games with a sore left knee.
Olowokandi enjoyed his best season in 2001-02, averaging 11.1 points, 8.9 rebounds and 1.8 blocked shots in 80 games. He is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent after this season.
