While it might be a little late, the Lakers are finally starting to get healthy. Farmar and Meeks returned on Tuesday, Pau Gasol returned on Thursday and Nick Young is looking toward a return on Sunday. Along with the return of Farmar, Meeks, and Gasol, the team also added guards MarShon Brooks and Kent Bazemore via trade. Xavier Henry might be the next injured Laker to rejoin the squad, however, Kobe is still facing a couple more weeks on the pine.
According to Daily News writer Mark Medina, Kobe is still facing three more weeks as he is still dealing with pain, soreness and swelling in his knee:
Xavier Henry cleared to participate in basketball activities. Kobe still having pain, soreness and swelling, will be evaluated in 3 weeks
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) February 22, 2014
Kobe has been hoping to pick up his activity for the past couple of weeks, but still has not been cleared by doctors to up his activity level. Kobe has been out since injuring his knee against the Memphis Grizzlies on December 17th.
Kobe is pressed for time this season as Lakers Reporter Mike Trudell says:
Re: Kobe, 3 weeks from today is March 14; even if he's cleared at that point, he'd need plenty of time to ramp up practice/etc.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) February 22, 2014
It is looking like Kobe would not be able to come back until late March or early April at the earliest. Kobe has said countlessly that he wants to play this season, but with another three weeks before he can be cleared to up his activity level to more than a stationary bike, his chances are not looking too great. With the Lakers in no position to contend for a playoff spot this season, it would be wise for Kobe to take the season off and make sure his body is fully recovered for the 2014-15 season.
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VIDEO: Pau Gasol Thinks Kobe Will Remain Positive Even If Out For Remainder Of Season