Surgery Recommended for Divac

A back specialist has recommended surgery for Vlade Divac, which would cost the Laker center about 12 weeks if he decides to have it done.

Divac, 36, will seek a second opinion today after a diagnostic exam revealed he had aggravated the same herniated disk that sidelined him for two months. If Divac opts for surgery, his targeted return would be the first week of April. The regular season ends April 20.

Divac initially injured his back in September while trying to make a spin move during an informal workout.

“Not good news,” Laker Coach Rudy Tomjanovich said. “We’re hoping for the best. The worst-case scenario would be we’re still going to have a chance to get him back.”

Divac, who signed a two-year, $10.3-million contract in July, missed the exhibition season and 11 regular-season games before returning Nov. 23. He played only eight games, sat out five more because of coach’s decision, and felt another jolt in his back two weeks ago when he tried to get up from a sofa.

Divac spent the previous six seasons with the Sacramento Kings before returning to the team where he played his first seven pro seasons. He is averaging 0.8 points, 1.1 rebounds and 4.6 minutes a game. He averaged 9.9 points and a career-best 5.3 assists last season.

“It’s tough for all of us,” Tomjanovich said. “We all were excited to have Vlade a part of this team and what he can bring with his great passing and his experience. It’s a setback.”

Divac, who had back surgery 12 years ago on a different herniated disk, did not travel with the Lakers for their two-game Texas trip.

The Lakers have the option of buying out the second year of Divac’s contract for $2 million.

At the very least, a preseason vision of a frontcourt that included Divac and Karl Malone has obviously fallen apart.

“You can’t waste your time on what could have been,” Tomjanovich said. “... You’ve got to do things on the run, you’ve got to make adjustments.”

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Kobe Bryant is one of several NBA players who will raise money for UNICEF tsunami relief efforts in South Asia. Bryant will donate $1,000 for every point he scores Friday against Houston.

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TONIGHT

at Dallas, 5:30 PST, Ch. 9

Site -- American Airlines Center.

Radio -- KLAC (570), KWKW (1330).

Records -- Lakers 16-13, Mavericks 20-10.

Record vs. Mavericks (2003-04) -- 2-2.

Update -- Dallas’ Dirk Nowitzki has hovered among the league scoring leaders with 26.7 points per game.