Los Angeles Lakers second-round draft pick Ronny Turiaf said Friday he's well on his way to recovery from heart surgery and is hopeful he'll one day wear the purple and gold.

Turiaf, who is recuperating in Spokane after open-heart surgery to repair an enlarged aortic root on July 26, said he will be cheering for his potential teammates this season as he works his way back into playing shape.

A decision on whether he can eventually play in the NBA is "way down the road" and up to his physicians and team management, Turiaf said, vowing to return stronger and better than before.

"I'm going to play basketball again," he said. "My heart is fixed ... there is no question. There is no need to tell me I can't play basketball if my heart is fine. So, I will play basketball, unless you don't want me to."

Turiaf, 22, was the 37th pick in this year's NBA draft.