Danny
25-07-2005, 01:32 AM
Heart surgery for Lakers star
From correspondents in Paris
July 22, 2005
FOXSPORTS
FRENCHMAN Ronny Turiaf, who signed a two-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers last month, will miss next season to undergo heart surgery.
Turiaf, who was picked 37th in the second round of the NBA draft and had convinced Lakers' staff of his qualities during the summer league, was supposed to play alongside Kobe Bryant.
However, medical tests showed Turiaf, 22, was suffering from a heart malformation that requires surgery and his contract was invalidated although the Lakers will pay his medical bills.
"The doctor told me I had a serious heart problem," Turiaf told today's sports daily L'Equipe. "My aorta is too big, the wall surrounding my heart can break any time so I will probably undergo surgery in three or four weeks."
Although his contract has been cancelled, Turiaf is confident he will bounce back.
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"The owner likes me a lot. He told me they would save a place for me next season. In one year I will be a Laker," said the Frenchman
From correspondents in Paris
July 22, 2005
FOXSPORTS
FRENCHMAN Ronny Turiaf, who signed a two-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers last month, will miss next season to undergo heart surgery.
Turiaf, who was picked 37th in the second round of the NBA draft and had convinced Lakers' staff of his qualities during the summer league, was supposed to play alongside Kobe Bryant.
However, medical tests showed Turiaf, 22, was suffering from a heart malformation that requires surgery and his contract was invalidated although the Lakers will pay his medical bills.
"The doctor told me I had a serious heart problem," Turiaf told today's sports daily L'Equipe. "My aorta is too big, the wall surrounding my heart can break any time so I will probably undergo surgery in three or four weeks."
Although his contract has been cancelled, Turiaf is confident he will bounce back.
Advertisement:
"The owner likes me a lot. He told me they would save a place for me next season. In one year I will be a Laker," said the Frenchman