Candace Parker out for approximately six weeks with knee injury

Los Angeles Sparks forward Candace Parker returned home in the midst of a team road trip to receive an MRI after she injured her right knee in a game against the New York Liberty Sunday. She will be out for at least six weeks to repair a torn the lateral meniscus the team announced Monday night.

“We look forward to Candace making a full recovery,” said Sparks Vice President and General Manager Penny Toler in statement.

“I appreciate all of the kind thoughts and prayers that have come my way in the last 24 hours.  They have truly helped,” said Parker.  “I look forward to picking up where I left off and contending for a WNBA championship,”

She went into the New York game averaging 17.7 points, 9.7 rebounds and 2.9 assists through seven games, recording four double-doubles.  She began the 2011 campaign healthy after missing 34 regular season games over the past two seasons due to injury and pregnancy.  In 2008 Parker became the first player in league history to capture both MVP and Rookie of the Year honors.