Livingston has tendinitis in knee

An examination of Shaun Livingston’s surgically repaired knee revealed tendinitis, seriously jeopardizing his chances of returning to the court this season.

Dr. James Andrews, who performed Livingston’s surgery, recommended that he scale back his on-court activities for four weeks, but said that Livingston was expected to make a full recovery.

“It’s an obstacle,” Livingston said. “It’s not smooth. Then again, what was about this injury? It’s another phase that I’ve just got to get over and I’m looking at the light at the end of the tunnel. It’s just how long do I have to wait to get there?”

Livingston sustained major damage to his left knee last February in a game against the Charlotte Bobcats. He sustained three ligament tears and a dislocated kneecap when he landed awkwardly after a layup attempt.

In four seasons, Livingston has played 145 games, battling through various injuries. The Clippers drafted him No. 4 overall in 2004.

Andrews examined the knee Thursday and will reevaluate it in four weeks.

“The stability of the knee looks excellent,” he said. “We are still holding him back from competitive play because he has developed some tendinitis about his knee.”

With only 22 games left, Livingston’s chances of returning this season are marginal.

“If it takes that long, there is some risk of him coming back to the court this season,” Clippers Coach Mike Dunleavy said.

Tendinitis, inflammation of the tendon, is a normal occurrence in a rehabbing athlete undergoing strenuous work after a period of no activity, athletic trainer Jasen Powell said.

“We are going to sustain what he’s gained at this point and maintain what he’s gained at this point,” Powell said. “But we’re going to reduce how much loading we’ve been doing.”

That would include holding off on the next scheduled progression in his rehabilitation, including explosive jumping and contact drills.

He can still take jump shots and will focus on lifting weights and strengthening the knee.

“Movement patterns aren’t going to be an issue once the strength really kicks in and is where it’s supposed to be at,” Livingston said. “Timing and everything is going to be the main issue.”

Livingston expects to play summer-league ball this year if the knee shows improvement. Because of the seriousness of the injury, no specific timetable is available.

“If you look at the game of basketball, especially at the professional level, how many times does something like this happen? Where somebody tore multiple ligaments and dislocated their kneecap?” Livingston said. “I think that’s the most frustrating thing for me. I don’t really have a set timetable.

“At the end of the day, the ultimate goal is to be able to play again. And to be able to play at the level I was playing at before the injury. I’m looking at the long term, as far as eight to 10 years of playing at a high level of basketball. So, if it doesn’t happen this year, it’s not the end of the world for me.”

Dunleavy said he spoke with center Chris Kaman concerning his comments after the Clippers defeated the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday.

Kaman had said that the Clippers should have beaten the short-handed Kings by 20 points rather than needing two overtimes.

He clarified his meaning Friday.

“I’m just frustrated that we have so much talent in this room and this organization and team and we can’t win games against teams we should be beating,” he said. “We are winning the typical games we should. . . . I want to beat the teams like San Antonio, Dallas and Phoenix on a consistent basis and we haven’t been able to do that.”

Although his team is injury-riddled, Kaman says it still has the components to win.

“We play hard, we get the wins, but the games we lose, some of those games we should win. . . . I don’t want to be negative. I don’t want the fans to think I’m being negative. I love the organization. I love my teammates. I love the coaches. They all do a great job. It’s just frustration, but you just want to win.”

Forward Tim Thomas played after sitting out three games because of a strained left groin. . . . Point guard Dan Dickau made his first start of the season.

TONIGHT

vs. Minnesota, 7:30, FSN Prime

Site -- Staples Center.

Radio -- 710.

Records -- Clippers 20-40, Timberwolves 13-48.

Record vs. Timberwolves -- 1-1.

Update -- In the battle for ping-pong balls, each has won on the other’s home court. Minnesota’s Al Jefferson is averaging 24.0 points and 13 rebounds in the two games.

--

jonathan.abrams@latimes.com