Center will be sidelined for at least four weeks.

By Mike Bresnahan, Los Angeles Times

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Lakers center Chris Mihm will undergo surgery on his right heel and sit out about four to six weeks.

Mihm’s right ankle has been surgically repaired twice, and he has been sidelined since Dec. 23 because of bursitis in his right heel and a sore Achilles’ tendon in his right foot.

He felt persistent pain, underwent three weekly sonar-wave treatments and took part in individual workouts with team trainers but often felt sore the next day.

The team, and Mihm, thought surgery was the best option now, with the hope he could return as a backup later in the season. Mihm had been with the Lakers on their nine-game trip but left Monday to return to Los Angeles and was expected to have surgery this week.

“We wanted to give Chris a shot to have an opportunity during this time and through the All-Star break to come back perhaps, but it looks like it’s going to be a little bit longer for that,” Coach Phil Jackson said.

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