Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook underwent knee surgery on Friday and will be sidelined until after the All-Star break in February. Friday's surgery was the third procedure Westbrook has had on his right knee in less than a year.
Westbrook underwent successful knee surgery on Friday, according to the official team website.
"Russell has been playing pain free, but recently had experienced increased swelling," Thunder general manager Sam Presti said in a statement. "After consultation and consideration by his surgeon in Los Angeles, a plan was established to monitor the swelling that included a series of scheduled MRIs.
"On the most recent MRI it was determined by the surgeon that there was an area of concern that had not previously existed, nor was detectable in the previous procedures, and it was necessary to evaluate Russell further.
"The consulting physician determined that arthroscopic surgery was necessary to address the swelling that was taking place. We know that Russell's work ethic and commitment will help him return to the level of play that we have all come to appreciate."
Westbrook tore the lateral meniscus in his right knee during the NBA playoffs in April. He first underwent surgery on April 27 and later had surgery on Oct. 1 to "remove a loose stitch from the first procedure," according to ESPN.
The All-Star guard, who was initially expected to miss the first four to six weeks of the 2013-14 season, returned after missing only two games.
Westbrook's last outing - a 123-94 win on Wednesday against New York - saw him finish with a triple-double: 14 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists. He's averaging 21.3 points, 7.0 assists and 6.0 rebounds per game.
Oklahoma City (23-5) visits the Charlotte Bobcats on Friday.
