Los Angeles, California - German basketball player Dennis Schröder hopes to be back on the court for the Los Angeles Lakers after his thumb surgery much sooner than the NBA team predicted.

"They said the wound should be completely healed in seven to 10 days and from then on it's all about how I feel. The first diagnosis is that I'll be out for four weeks, but of course I'm trying to break a record and be back in the starting line-up as soon as possible," Schröder told dpa on Tuesday evening.

Schröder underwent surgery on Monday after tearing a ligament in his right thumb during a pre-season game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

He missed the NBA season opener against reigning champions Golden State Warriors, in which the Lakers were defeated 123-109. In a statement, the Lakers said Schröder would be re-evaluated in three weeks.

NBA NBA star Jontay Porter hit with lifetime ban after probe uncovers "cardinal sin"

The player signed with the Lakers late in free agency in July, but due to his duties with Germany during the European Basketball Championship and visa issues, he missed most of the pre-season.

Schröder already played for the Lakers between 2020 and 2021.

"I know the team needs me, but unfortunately you can't prevent injuries in sports," he said. "I'm working very hard so that I can be back in the starting line-up in two or three weeks and immediately have a positive impact for the team."