Clippers coach says center Chris Kaman to stay sidelined ‘a few more weeks’

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The Clippers were delivered another blow Friday when they learned that injured center Chris Kaman won’t be returning to the lineup next week as hoped.

‘Kaman’s going to be out probably for a few more weeks’ due to his injured left ankle, Clippers Coach Vinny Del Negro said after the team practiced at its Playa Vista training facility.

Del Negro said the 5-18 Clippers had hoped Kaman would be able to play starting Wednesday, when the Clippers face the 76ers in Philadelphia to open a three-game trip.

But after talking to Clippers head trainer Jasen Powell on Friday morning, Del Negro said Kaman has ‘a bone bruise and he needs to stay off it for a couple weeks, and then train for a week and see how it reacts.’

Kaman first injured the ankle Nov. 9 in a game against the Hornets in New Orleans. He returned to the lineup early this month but reinjured the ankle Sunday against the Trail Blazers in Portland.

The Clippers have been hobbled by injuries to several players already this season, ‘ut I can’t control that, no one can control it,’ Del Negro said. ‘You just have to manage as best you can.’

Kaman’s setback will mean more playing time for 22-year-old backup center DeAndre Jordan. ‘We’re going to need him to play at a high level now until Chris gets back,’ Del Negro said.

--Jim Peltz