The Los Angeles Lakers don't expect Karl Malone to return to the team until mid-to-late March.

Malone's injury description has also been changed from a sprained medial collateral ligament to a torn medial collateral ligament.

"Team publicist John Black acknowledged Wednesday the organization had been "overly optimistic" in its initial predictions that Malone could return in four to six weeks. Malone has been under the care of team physician Steve Lombardo and recently sought and received a second opinion. Neither doctor recommended surgery, though Malone's return date was pushed back at least a month."

"I'm getting better," Malone said. "Slowly but surely."

With Malone out, the team is looking to possibily bring in Tyrone Hill or Cherokee Parks.

Scott Williams was mentioned but he is likely headed to the Dallas Mavericks.