Wizards' Rashard Lewis contemplating season-ending surgery

Rashard Lewis has been hesitant, hoping that treatment, then rest, and later limited minutes would serve as a remedy for the nagging right knee injury that has restricted him all season. But as the season has dragged on, the tendinitis in his knee has worsened, forcing him to contemplate surgery that will likely end his season.

Lewis hinted three weeks ago that "surgery is an option," but having his knee scoped is slowly becoming the preferred choice, with his condition not improving and the Washington Wizards stockpiling losses. Lewis's agent, Tony Dutt, discussed alternatives on Thursday with Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld, the team's medical staff and the training staff. A resolution is expected soon.

"The knee's just stopped me from doing a lot of things I want to do on the court," Lewis said, "and I think it's just getting to a point where I'm going to have to get the scope done, start the rehab and hopefully just come back with a fresh start and healthy. Start all over."

Lewis said that he had complications with his right knee before he arrived from Orlando in exchange for Gilbert Arenas on Dec. 18. The Wizards (15-45) moved Lewis from power forward to small forward, which forced him to defend smaller, quicker players and added to the deterioration of his knee.

"It's not something that happened when I got here. It's been all year long. It's just got worse as the year went on," said Lewis. "It's not getting better at all.

"I can't give them what I want," he continued. "I can't defend on the court. My reaction is a step slow. My first step, my explosiveness, everything. Even with my jump shot, when I go to squat in my jump shot, I just have no lift in my legs. It's not only hurting me running up and down the court but my jump shot, as well."

"It's not a good season for me," Lewis said. "Getting traded in the middle of the season, with the injury, and not being able to perform to a high level on a new team to show, you know, trying to show signs of turning an organization around. But with this injury, it's just holding me back."