With the NBA trade deadline looming, the injury problems for the Los Angeles Lakers have taken a backseat as of late. Although trade rumors continue to swirl involving players like Jordan Hill, Steve Blake, Chris Kaman and Pau Gasol, the team is slowly starting to get key players back healthy.
Fortunately for the Lakers, sharpshooter Jodie Meeks will likely be back on the floor for Dwight Howard’s return to the Staples Center on Wednesday according to Mike Trudell of Lakers.com:
Looks like @Jmeeks20 is the only player LAL definitely get back tomorrow vs. Houston. We'll get more on Young after practice.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) February 18, 2014
Along with Meeks returning and Young still on the shelf, Jordan Farmar is considered doubtful against the Rockets according to Trudell:
Since Gasol and Farmar are doubtful, they'll likely join Bryant (no update) and Henry (re-evaluated Friday) on the bench.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) February 18, 2014
According Lakers Nation reporter Serena Winters, Steve Nash didn’t practice on Tuesday and will not play against the Rockets:
Steve Nash did not practice today and is doubtful for tomorrow Lakers say.
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) February 18, 2014
Fortunately, after participating in practice on Tuesday afternoon, Pau Gasol was upgraded from doubtful to questionable for Wednesday’s game according to Winters:
Pau did participate in practice today, Lakers say whether he plays tomorrow depends on how he responds to practice. QUESTIONABLE for tom.
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) February 18, 2014
As for Kobe Bryant and Xavier Henry, no substantial update was given on the five-time NBA champion’s status while Henry will be re-evaluated on Friday.
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