Serge Ibaka injury update: LA Clippers center undergoes season-ending back surgery

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Serge Ibaka's season has officially come to an end.

The LA Clippers Friday announced that the 31-year-old big man recently underwent back surgery that will hold him out for the remainder of the 2021 NBA Playoffs, which multiple sources have confirmed.

Ibaka, who joined the Clippers via free agency in November of 2020, was plagued by a back injury throughout the season. The 12-year veteran missed 30 of the team's final 32 games before returning in anticipation of the playoffs.

After playing a total of 18:12 in LA's first two playoff games, Ibaka has missed each of the team's last seven postseason contests, with his surgery coming on the day that the Clippers were in Utah for Game 2 against the Jazz.

Ibaka's injury-riddled season saw him make an impact when he was on the floor, posting averages of 11.1 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in just over 23 minutes per contest. 

As pointed out by ESPN's Bobby Marks, Ibaka has a player option worth $9.7 million for the 2021-22 NBA season. The severity of his back issue could have an impact on Ibaka's decision to remain in Los Angeles for one more year or test the free agent market, making this a crucial juncture for both he and the Clippers franchise.

Facing a 2-0 hole for the second consecutive series, LA is back in action when it hosts Utah for Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals.

Stick with NBA.com for more injury updates regarding that series and for more on Ibaka.

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Gilbert McGregor is an NBA content producer for The Sporting News.