Cleveland forward Kevin Love will be out for at least six weeks after surgery on his left foot, dealing another blow to an NBA team in disarray in their first season following LeBron James' departure.
Love, who injured his left big toe in Cleveland's first exhibition game, had the operation in New York on Friday.
The team said his timeline to return to basketball activity will be updated in about six weeks, which means he could be out even longer.
The 30-year-old played in Cleveland's first four games before the pain became intolerable.
Love said the injury became so severe he was having trouble walking and it was affecting his game as he made only 32 per cent of his shots.
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Love's injury and extended recovery are going to make things even tougher on a team that is 1-7 and regrouping after coach Tyronn Lue was fired on Sunday.
Love signed a $US120 million, four-year extension with the club last year shortly after James left as a free agent.
