A Meniscus tear suffered by Memphis Grizzlies forward-center Jaren Jackson Jr. means the player will miss the rest of the NBA season.

Jackson landed awkwardly in the game against Pelicans on Monday, and after evaluation, it was discovered that he had torn the meniscus of his left knee although he is expected to make a full recovery, his next game will be in the next season the club announced on Tuesday.

Jackson Jr had earlier in February missed nine games after he sprained his knee.

Memphis Grizzlies will feel the absence of the forward as they jostle for a place for the Western Conference as they are 0-3 in their seeding games, although they have a two-game lead over Portland and San Antonio for the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference.

Phoenix Subs, San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma Kings, Pelicans, and Trail Blazers are all four games off the Grizzlies with the final spot up for grab for a match against Los Angeles Lakers who secured the overall top seed in the conference on Monday.

It is the first time since 2010 that the Lakers would secure the top spot in the NBA Western Conference after their win against Utah Jazz on Monday.

“It’s just one of the milestones of many to get to where we want to be, All the stuff we’ve been through this season, to clinch number one in the West means a lot but we’re not finished.” Anthony Davis was quoted on BBC.

He also spoke of the importance of the achievement especially with the fact that they were top seeds in 2010, the late Kobe Bryant led the team to its last NBA final title.

“To be in a category with him means a lot, i know he’s looking down on us, cheering us on.”Davis added according to BBC.

Written by: Daniel Ademiju Idowu