LOS ANGELES (AP) Lakers forward Karl Malone sprained his right knee in the opening minutes of Sunday night's game against the Phoenix Suns, causing him to leave the game.

Malone fell to the floor after being fouled by Scott Williams and grabbed his knee. After a brief delay, Malone made one of two free throws before leaving the game 10 seconds later and walking to the Lakers' locker room.

A team spokesman said Malone was undergoing X-rays and would not return.

Malone, the NBA's second-leading career scorer behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, has missed only 11 games in his career _ six due to injuries or illness and five because of suspensions.

The 40-year-old Malone joined the Lakers as a free agent last summer after playing 18 seasons for the Utah Jazz.