Pacers’ Caris LeVert undergoes surgery for kidney cancer

Caris LeVert underwent surgery to treat renal cell carcinoma of his left kidney and is expected to make a full recovery, the Indiana Pacers said Tuesday, January 26.

The surgery took place Monday and was performed by Dr. Jason Sprunger at Community North Hospital in Indianapolis.

“No further treatment is needed,” the team statement said. “Caris is expected to make a full recovery and will be out indefinitely. Further updates will be provided as needed.”

The Pacers acquired LeVert as part of the blockbuster deal involving James Harden earlier this month. A physical conducted as part of the trade revealed a small mass on his left kidney.

He told reporters last week the trade could have been a lifesaver. (READ: Caris LeVert: Trade ‘possibly saved me in the long run’)

“I hadn’t missed any games this season yet. I was feeling 100% healthy,” LeVert said. “So, in a way, this trade definitely showed and revealed what was going on in my body, so I’m definitely looking at it from that side and definitely humbled to know that this trade could’ve possibly saved me in the long run.”

LeVert, 26, averaged 18.5 points, 6.0 assists and 4.3 rebounds in 12 games (4 starts) this season with the Brooklyn Nets. The fifth-year pro had averages of 13.1 points, 3.7 assists and 3.7 rebounds in 225 games (96 starts) for the Nets. – Rappler.com