Los Angeles Lakers forward Jordan Hill, the top frontline backup to All-Stars Dwight Howard and Pau Gasol, doesn't need surgery for a herniated disc in his back and will return to the lineup before the Oct. 30 season opener, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.

Hill, 25, will undergo core strength training on his back to rehabilitate the injury, sources said. He could return to practice within 10-14 days, but Hill's rehab process will be fluid depending on how his back responds to treatment, sources said.

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The Lakers issued a statement Monday saying that Hill would be re-examined in seven days. The Lakers' back specialist, Dr. Robert Watkins, examined Hill after Hill played in an exhibition loss to Golden State on Sunday in Fresno, Calif.

Hill signed a two-year contract extension this past summer worth nearly $8 million. He entered training camp in excellent shape and has been impressive in his secondary role to the Lakers' starry frontline. Hill came to the Lakers in February as part of a deal with the Houston Rockets.





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