Surgery Is Likely for Olowokandi

Center Michael Olowokandi is tentatively scheduled to undergo exploratory arthroscopic surgery on his left knee Monday and, depending what is discovered, could be sidelined for up to two months, the Clippers said Thursday.

Even if the team’s medical staff determines that there’s no significant damage, Olowokandi still would require a week to recover from the procedure. He won’t play tonight against the Phoenix Suns at Staples Center and won’t accompany the team on its three-game trip that begins Saturday against the Raptors at Toronto.

“I think they’re going to have a look at it next week,” Coach Alvin Gentry said. “Depending on what they find, they will determine if it will be a short-term or long-term layoff. He’s not going with us on the trip.”

Asked if Olowokandi would be placed on the injured list for the second time this season, Gentry said, “Probably.” Gentry then referred further questions to Jasen Powell, the team’s athletic trainer.

“Whether this is related to the original tendinitis we’re not sure at this time,” Powell said when asked if Olowokandi’s latest troubles are related to tendinitis that sidelined him for most of training camp in October and forced him to the injured list from Dec. 1-13. “We’re going to get him evaluated again next week. Michael can’t play to the level he’s capable of playing and that’s frustrating him.”

Olowokandi, eligible to become an unrestricted free agent at season’s end, sat out three games last week because of a bruised right thigh. He had 17 points and nine rebounds in Monday’s loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, but had only four points on two-for-15 shooting and seven rebounds in Wednesday’s victory over the Chicago Bulls. He is averaging 12.3 points and 9.1 rebounds.

Gentry benched Olowokandi for the final 16 minutes 7 seconds, going with veteran Sean Rooks, who responded with perhaps his best game of the season. Rooks had nine points, took a season-best 12 rebounds and added three blocked shots, including a rejection of Jalen Rose’s driving attempt that could have tied the score with 3.3 seconds remaining.

The Clippers held on for a 77-75 victory.

“You will see more of him,” Gentry said of Rooks. “I think he can shoot the ball better. He’s been passing up shots. He’s been tentative because he’s trying to make sure he’s playing unselfishly and getting everybody involved.”

The team’s 17-28 record and last-place standing in the Pacific Division also have invited boos this season, prompting Gentry to speak with the players before Thursday’s practice about the fans’ negative reactions.

“It’s been a disappointing season for the fans, with all the expectations that have been set for us,” he said. “It’s been tough on everybody. It’s been tough on the fans. It’s been tough on the guys. The crowd has been so supportive in the past and it’s been a little unnerving to hear the boos, but the way to eliminate the boos is to perform on the court. If you want the fans on your side, you’ve got to give them a great effort and unselfishness and you’ve got to perform.”

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Gentry also benched forward Lamar Odom for the final 17 minutes Wednesday, after Odom and assistant Dennis Johnson had a heated exchange in front of the bench midway through the third quarter.

According to a courtside witness, Odom complained about being replaced by Quentin Richardson. Johnson was heard to say that it was about time that Odom matured. Odom responded by saying maybe it was Johnson who needed to grow up.

Asked about the “I know you are, but what am I?” nature of the incident, Gentry said Thursday, “It happens all the time in this league. There’s not a team that it doesn’t happen on. Emotions run high. It’s not even worth talking about.”

TONIGHT

vs. Phoenix, 7:30

Site -- Staples Center.

Radio -- XTRA (690/1150), KTNQ (1020, Spanish).

Records -- Clippers 17-28, Suns 26-21.

Record vs. Suns -- 0-2.

Update -- The Suns have lost three consecutive games, including Wednesday’s loss to the Lakers at Phoenix. Once firmly entrenched in a playoff position, the Suns have drifted back to a pack of challengers.