MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A doctor recommended surgery for Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Farmar, who hurt his left knee last week against the Miami Heat.

Team doctor Steve Lombardo examined Farmar on Monday in Los Angeles and confirmed the guard has a torn lateral meniscus. The team said Farmar has not decided whether to have surgery, and it's unclear how long he will be out.

"We're not happy about it, obviously, but this is what we go through in an NBA season," Lakers coach Phil Jackson said. "That's why we have a roster. We have guys who can play, and backup people who can help. We hope we get guys to support us now that Jordan is gone and will be for a while."

Farmar was hurt Friday in the fourth quarter of the Lakers' 89-87 loss to the Heat. The former UCLA star was averaging 7.9 points and 2.4 assists in nearly 20 minutes backing up Derek Fisher.

Because Farmar could be out for 6-8 weeks, Jackson said the Lakers were considering acquiring a player with quickness and speed to help spell Fisher in his absence.