Lakers' Dudley will forgo surgery on torn MCL, try to rehab for playoffs

Los Angeles Lakers forward Jared Dudley plans to delay surgery on his torn right MCL, electing instead to continue rehabbing his injury with the aim of returning for the postseason, he said Tuesday, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin.

Surgery would require the 35-year-old to be sidelined for four-to-six months; as presently scheduled, the 2021 playoffs will conclude on July 22 at the latest.

"But let's be honest: right now, my value to this team is not playing," Dudley said, according to Silver Screen and Roll's Harrison Faigen. "For the most part my value is in the locker room."

Dudley has appeared in 11 games this season, averaging 0.5 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 0.5 assists in just under seven minutes per appearance. He played a similar deep reserve role for the team last season, providing veteran leadership for the eventual 2020 champions.