Utah’s Lopez to undergo surgery

According to the Deseret News, Lopez suffered the injury during Utah’s game last week against the Los Angeles Lakers. Lopez, in his second year out of Spain, had previously had his right knee operated on twice and will have surgery on his left knee for the first time.

The 24-year-old Lopez averaged 5.2 points and 4.0 assists in 31 games — 15 starts — this season.

Lopez, who played in all 82 contests as a rookie, was selected by Utah in the first round (24th pick) of the 2001 draft. He is averaging 6.5 points, 3.8 assists and 1.7 boards in his brief career.