An MRI exam Friday revealed that New Orleans Hornets forward David West suffered a torn ACL Thursday night when his left knee buckled late in regulation in an eventual overtime victory over Utah.

The Hornets immediately feared that West suffered a season-ending injury when it happened, but Friday's MRI confirmed the severity of the injury, which means a months-long absence for West entering what was thought to be a lucrative free-agent summer for him.

"Obviously we are very saddened by this news," Hornets general manager Dell Demps said. "David is the ultimate warrior and competitor, but an even better person and we know that he will bounce back in time."

One source close to West said the Hornets' power forward is hoping to complete his rehab in six months.

Earning a relatively modest $7.5 million this season for a two-time All-Star, West has resisted attempts by the Hornets at various points of the season to sign a contract extension that would keep him off the market. West will now have to decide whether to opt out of the final year of his contract in spite of the injury or, at age 31, play out the final season, which is also valued at $7.5 million.

The Hornets are clinging to the seventh playoff spot in the West and face a brutal closing schedule in which all but one of their 10 games is against opposition with a record of .500 or better.

If there's any solace for New Orleans, it's the acquisition of Carl Landry right before the Feb. 24 trade deadline, which was partly motivated by the threat of losing West in free agency. Landry will now see his role increased in as in-season West insurance.

West appeared in 70 games this season, averaging a team-high 18.9 points and 7.6 rebounds.

Source: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=6258582

Sucks he tore he ACL.