Mavericks forward Chris Mills may need surgery on his left ankle, pending an examination he is expected to have this week in Los Angeles.

"He called us about 10 days ago and said he's still having trouble with the ankle and wanted to have his doctor in LA look at it," Mavericks assistant general manager Keith Grant said Monday. "Our doctor looked at him over the weekend, and now Chris will consult back with his doctor. The ankle has not responded and surgery is an option."

Surgery could keep the injury-prone veteran out of action for up to four months, although his agent said there was no way to be sure what the recovery time would be.

"Whatever his doctor says, that's probably the determining factor for what course of action we'll take," said Bob Myers of SFX Sports Group. "The Mavericks wanted to look at him, and if their diagnosis and Chris' doctor's diagnosis are similar, we'll proceed."