CLIPPERS NOTEBOOK : AGENT: VAUGHT WILL HAVE SURGERY.

Byline: Gary Washburn Daily News Staff Writer

Clippers forward Loy Vaught, who has been bothered by back problems for months, has decided to have surgery and could be lost for the season, according to his agent, Jim McDowell.

Vaught has missed the last three games with a sore back and had it examined last Tuesday by specialist Dr. Ted Goldstein, who recommended surgery and prescribed new medication.

``As it stands right now, he's going to have surgery,'' McDowell said. ``He been in pain and Dr. Goldstein said he was surprised Loy had been playing on the back this long.''

Vaught will get a second opinion on Tuesday from Dr. Robert Watkins, but that's expected to affirm his decision to have surgery.

Vaught has a degeneration between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae, which was discovered in late 1994. Vaught has been playing with soreness since and thought rest would help. It hasn't and he was a shell of himself in training camp.

``We've played who knows how many games and practices and I don't think Loy's had a good one yet,'' Clippers coach Bill Fitch said. `He was trying to play through it. But it just wasn't working.''

Vaught averaged 7.5 points and 6.5 rebounds in 10 games but played only played 26 minutes per contest. The most games the nine-year veteran has missed in a season is nine as a rookie. Vaught has never been sidelined by a significant injury.

``He might as well do the surgery and get better and back to playing,'' McDowell said. ``It's best for Loy to get healthy and it's impossible for him to keep playing in the condition he is in.''

McDowell said former Laker Vlade Divac had a similar surgery and Vaught could be back by late in the season. The injury could not have come at a worse time. Vaught is in the final year of his contract and wants to cash in next summer in the free-agent market.

``It is not a good time for him, but he has to get it done,'' McDowell said. ``I don't know how this will affect his worth in the league. But he'll be a lot better off healthy.''

The Clippers' deepest position is forward. Rodney Rogers has been starting at power forward and rookie Maurice Taylor will get more minutes as the backup. The Clippers drafted Taylor anticipating Vaught won't return next season.

``With Loy possibly gone for the season, everybody has to pick it up,'' guard Brent Barry said. ``We have to rebound better and make up for his absence. It hurts us that he's gone.''

Vaught could have two different type of surgeries and specifics will be determined after his meeting with Watkins on Tuesday.

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