Lakers power forward Jordan Hill was diagnosed with a herniated disk in his back on Monday, according to Ben Bolch of the LA Times. The team has yet to say whether Hill will be undergoing surgery for the condition, or how much time he may miss. Dwight Howard was diagnosed with the same injury last April, and missed the rest of the season.
A fourth year big man out of Arizona, Hill had been one of the most impressive performers in training camp, according to head coach Mike Brown. Hill signed a two year, $7 million contract at the end of last season on the heels of a strong finish to the year. He was excited to go out and prove that he is worth the money:
"We have enough scorers, enough All-Stars," Hill said. "We just have to have that guy to come off the bench with a lot of energy, a lot of activity who likes to run the floor, protect the paint and use his athleticism. I just want to go out there and have fun and do what I have to do."