El Segundo, CA (My Sportsbook) - Los Angeles Lakers forward Rick Fox is already expected to miss the remainder of the playoffs with a torn tendon in his left foot, but the injury is even worse than originally anticipated, according to a published report.

The Los Angeles Daily News reported that Fox's left foot revealed another partially damaged tendon, and he now expects to be sidelined for six to nine months, and perhaps a year, before he plays for the Lakers again. It is possible that Fox might not be able to return for next season.

"So have things changed for me as a basketball player forever? Yeah. Does it mean I still play basketball? Yeah. But now the challenge is to be as effective, or in some cases more effective, if I come back stronger than I was before," Fox told the Daily News.

Fox suffered the injury during the first quarter of last week's 102-97 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 4 of their Western Conference quarterfinal series. The Lakers won the best-of-seven matchup in six games.

Dallas Stars center Mike Modano and former baseball player Chili Davis underwent similar surgeries during their careers and came back to enjoy successful returns.

In four postseason contests, Fox averaged 6.0 points, 1.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists per outing. He averaged nine points and 4.3 boards over 76 regular- season games this season.

Devean George has stepped into the role previously occupied by Fox. The Lakers start their Western Conference semifinal series against the San Antonio Spurs on Monday.