An MRI exam Friday revealed 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 West suffered a season-ending injury when it happened and Friday's MRI confirmed the severity of the injury. West will need a months-long absence entering what was thought to be a lucrative free-agent summer for him.

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.