UCLA's Tyler Lamb out 4-6 weeks after knee surgery

UCLA's Lamb undergoes successful knee surgery

UCLA junior guard Tyler Lamb underwent arthriscopic surgery on his left knee Tuesday. The school has announced the operation went well, and Lamb will be sidelined four to six weeks, according to espn.com.

The timetable puts Lamb's recovery right up against the Bruins' season-opener on Nov. 9. Head coach Ben Howland can afford to be cautious with the guard's return, as UCLA doesn't face a true test until it travels to Brooklyn to play Georgetown in the Legends Classic on Nov. 19.

With the departures of Lazeric Jones and Jerime Andersen, Lamb is expected to be a key contributor in UCLA's backcourt. The junior has plenty of room to improve, as he turned the ball over on 24 percent of possessions last season and struggled to a 95.4 offensive rating, well below average for a player that used just under 19 percent of his team's possessions. Lamb's best contribution comes on the defensive end, where he is adept at forcing steals and turnovers.

UCLA's Tyler Lamb out 4-6 weeks after knee surgery

The Bruins will likely start season without their best returning guard.