Clippers' Ibaka undergoes season-ending back surgery
Los Angeles Clippers center Serge Ibaka underwent season-ending surgery on his ailing back Thursday, the team announced.
Ibaka missed 30 games from mid-March to mid-May before returning for the second-last contest of the regular season. However, the 31-year-old hit the sidelines again after logging just 18 total minutes over the team's first two playoff games - a pair of losses to the Dallas Mavericks.
In 41 appearances this season, the Congolese-Spanish big man averaged 11.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.1 blocks in 23.3 minutes per game.
... sometimes injuries get in the way and health has to be a priority. I appreciate all the love and support from everyone and now I have my mindset on supporting my team and getting healthy and ready for next season 💪🏾 #ClipperNation
— Serge Ibaka (@sergeibaka) June 11, 2021
Ibaka has a $9.7-million player option for the 2021-22 season.
The Clippers currently trail the Utah Jazz 2-0 in the Western Conference semifinals.