Lakers forward Jordan Hill told he needs season-ending hip surgery

Los Angeles Lakers forward Jordan Hill has been told he needs season-ending surgery on his injured left hip.

The Lakers announced Friday night that Hill will seek a second opinion before scheduling surgery.

Hill is the Lakers' top backup big man, averaging 6.7 points and 5.7 rebounds in his first full season with Los Angeles. The fourth-year pro joined the Lakers last season in a trade with Houston.

Hill missed his third straight game Friday night against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He had an arthrogram test earlier in the day, revealing loose fragments and a possible labral tear, according to the Lakers.

Hill's injury further depletes the struggling Lakers, who already are playing without injured big men Dwight Howard and Pau Gasol.

© The Canadian Press, 2013