Heart surgery successful for Lakers' NBA Draft pick

0 Comments | AFP, July, 2005

LOS ANGELES (AFP) — Ronny Turiaf, a 22-year-old forward from Martinique selected by the Los Angeles Lakers in June's National Basketball Association Draft, underwent successful open heart surgery.

The six-hour operation, performed at Stanford University Medical Center, did not require a heart valve replacement, improving the chances the 22-year-old who played at Gonzaga University might one day play in the NBA.

"Turiaf's valve was functioning normally and did not need to be replaced," the Lakers said in a statement, adding that doctors expect Turiaf to make "a complete and full recovery."

Turiaf, the 37th selection in the NBA Draft, was diagnosed last week with an enlarged aorta after signing a two-year contract with the Lakers and playing in off-season...