Los Angeles Clippers announced Serge Ibaka underwent a back surgery on Thursday and will miss the rest of the postseason.
Ibaka missed 30 games with a back issue during the regular season. He played for 18 minutes in the first round series vs. Dallas, but he could not contribute effectively.
The Clippers are down 2-0 in the Western Conference semifinal series vs. the Utah Jazz, and Ibaka would be an important part of Ty Lue’s team plan on Rudy Gobert with his ability to stretch the floor and his rim protection.
Ibaka, 31, has a $9.7 million player option for next season. After a disappointing year with the Clippers in his first season, exercising his option may be a no-brainer for the 2019 NBA champion.
