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EL SEGUNDO Three months ago, Shaun Livingston suffered what Los Angeles Clippers team physician Tony Daly described as the most catastrophic knee injury he has seen in his 24 years attending to NBA players. It was feared that the devastation to Shaun Livingston's left knee could be career-ending.

But for the past two weeks, Shaun Livingston has been working out four days a week as he attempts to return from the frightful injury that saw him tear three ligaments, in addition to dislocating his kneecap.

His spirits remain high. Still three months shy of turning 22, Shaun Livingston said there is no doubt in his mind that he will be back.

"It's just not me to think that way," he said Wednesday. "I'm so young that I look at it like being a little kid that falls down. It hurts, but you just get back up and keep playing. Even though it was a severe injury, I feel I'll be back. Obviously, there are no guarantees, and by chance if that doesn't happen, I'll deal with it when it comes."

For now, Shaun Livingston's workouts include upper-body weight training. It will be awhile before he is cleared to begin straightaway running. But Shaun Livingston said his goal is to return at some point next season. He will continue his workout and rehabilitation regiment before taking a week's respite in August to conduct the second annual Shaun Livingston basketball camp in Peoria, Ill.

"I'm taking my time. It's still early, and I have a lot of time," Shaun Livingston said after his 90-minute session with Los Angeles Clippers assistant trainer Johan Wang.

Shaun Livingston missed the final 25 games this past season, and the most conservative prognosis for his recovery initially was that he would miss the entire 2007-08 season. But Shaun Livingston started rehabilitation even before his surgery, which was performed March 13 in Birmingham, Ala. The rehabilitation has continued, and Shaun Livingston also is examined weekly by Daly.

"Right now I can perform normal, everyday activities," Shaun Livingston said. "But the knee is still swollen, and I still have a long way to go before I can do the things that I need to do on the basketball court, like cut, plant and jump."

Shaun Livingston has been out of the public eye for the most part since his injury occurred Feb. 26 in a game against the Charlotte Bobcats. Shaun Livingston said he stayed largely out of view purposely. His only appearance thereafter at Staples Center came when he addressed Los Angeles Clippers fans before the team's final home game April 18.

"I just needed to gather my thoughts," Shaun Livingston said. "But at the same time, I still wanted to be supportive of my teammates."

 

 

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