An examination of Shaun Livingston's surgically repaired knee revealed tendinitis, seriously jeopardizing his chances of returning to the court this season.
Dr. James Andrews, who performed Livingston's surgery, recommended that he scale back his on-court activities for four weeks, but said that Livingston was expected to make a full recovery.
"It's an obstacle," Livingston said. "It's not smooth. Then again, what was about this injury? It's another phase that I've just got to get over and I'm looking at the light at the end of the tunnel. It's just how long do I have to wait to get there?"
Livingston sustained major damage to his left knee last February in a game against the Charlotte Bobcats. He sustained three ligament tears and a dislocated kneecap when he landed awkwardly after a layup attempt.
In four seasons, Livingston has played 145 games, battling through various injuries. The Clippers drafted him No. 4 overall in 2004.
Andrews examined the knee Thursday and will reevaluate it in four weeks.
"The stability of the knee looks excellent," he said. "We are still holding him back from competitive play because he has developed some tendinitis about his knee."
With only 22 games left, Livingston's chances of returning this season are marginal.
"If it takes that long, there is some risk of him coming back to the court this season," Clippers Coach Mike Dunleavy said.
Tendinitis, inflammation of the tendon, is a normal occurrence in a rehabbing athlete undergoing strenuous work after a period of no activity, athletic trainer Jasen Powell said.
"We are going to sustain what he's gained at this point and maintain what he's gained at this point," Powell said. "But we're going to reduce how much loading we've been doing."
That would include holding off on the next scheduled progression in his rehabilitation, including explosive jumping and contact drills.
He can still take jump shots and will focus on lifting weights and strengthening the knee.
"Movement patterns aren't going to be an issue once the strength really kicks in and is where it's supposed to be at," Livingston said. "Timing and everything is going to be the main issue."
Livingston expects to play summer-league ball this year if the knee shows improvement. Because of the seriousness of the injury, no specific timetable is available.
