LaMarcus Aldridge to have season-ending hip surgery

In a year marked by injuries, turmoil and upheaval in Portland, add another blow to the litany for the Trail Blazers—All-Star forward LaMarcus Aldridge needs surgery on his ailing right hip and will be out for the rest of the season.

Aldridge has been experiencing soreness in the hip since late March, though an MRI taken at that time came back negative. That, apparently, has changed.

“In his most recent MRI, and following further evaluation, it’s been determined that LaMarcus has a slight labral tear and will require arthroscopic surgery,” acting general manager Chad Buchanan said in a statement. “LaMarcus’ priority is that he’s 100 percent healthy going into training camp this fall and we all feel this is the best course. He’s had an All-Star year and his long-term health is the most important thing to consider.”

The team has not set a date for the surgery, which will be done by Dr. Marc Phillipon. Aldridge is a candidate to be a member of Team USA's entry into this year's Olympics in London, but the surgery puts his availability in jeopardy.

Aldridge earned his first All-Star berth this season and was averaging 21.7 points and 8.0 rebounds this year, shooting a career-high 51.2 percent from the field. The Blazers are 28-31, 4.5 games out of the No. 8 and last seed in the Western Conference playoff picture.