Hornets' Stojakovic has surgery; West next

Monday, December 18th 2006, 6:16 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) New Orleans guard Peja Stojakovic had a disc fragment removed from his lower back, a move the Hornets hope will help speed the three-time All-Star's return to the lineup.

The Hornets also announced yesterday that forward David West will have surgery on a bothersome right elbow.

The team provided no timetable for Stojakovic's return. He has missed nine games already, with what initially was diagnosed as back spasms.

West has missed 15 games since straining his right forearm November 10th against Portland. New Orleans also has been without top reserve Bobby Jackson with a cracked rib.

The Hornets started the season 8-3, but have lost nine of their last 11 games as injuries have piled up.