NORTHRIDGE, Calif. -- Neurosurgeon Asher Taban said Monday that legendary Lakers broadcaster Chick Hearn's neurological function deteriorated overnight and that an examination Monday morning showed "no sign of brain recovery."

		Like many basketball lovers, I was absolutely heartbroken to hear the news of Chick Hearn's recent fall. It is a sad time for Lakers fans and followers of Hearn, who has called thousands and thousands of games for his favorite team. What makes Chick so special is his unbelievable passion. His enthusiasm and excitement make each broadcast special. Every possession is like the most important one in the world, baby! More...

Hearn, 85, has been at Northridge Hospital Medical Center near Los Angeles since Friday after hitting the back of his head in a fall at his San Fernando Valley home.

Hearn's condition has dropped "beyond critical," Taban said at a news conference Monday morning in Northridge. "I'm not sure what the proper term is, but he is one step beyond critical.

"You could call it grave," he added.

Hearn is in a coma, said Taban, who added he had hoped to see more improvement by this point.

When Hearn arrived at the hospital, doctors found a hemorrhage inside his cranium, on top of the brain. He underwent surgery and his condition appeared more stable.

On Saturday morning, Hearn's neurological condition began to deteriorate and another blood clot was found, this one inside the brain. Hearn then underwent a second operation.

Taban said at the time that the broadcaster's prognosis was "not good" and said it was "probable" that Hearn had called his last Lakers game.

The voice of the Lakers since the team moved to Los Angeles four decades ago, Hearn is credited with adding such signature phrases as "slam dunk" and "air ball" to the NBA lexicon.

Hearn called a record 3,338 consecutive Lakers games over 36 years, but saw his streak end last season when he had to undergo heart surgery to repair a blocked aortic valve.

The broadcaster suffered a further setback when he fell during rehabilitation and broke a hip.

Still, Hearn was able to return to the Lakers in time to broadcast the team's run through the playoffs to its third consecutive NBA championship.