The Los Angeles Lakers provided injury updates for both Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol ahead of Wednesday’s practice.
The Lakers announced that Bryant was not expected to take part in Wednesday’s light practice due to an ankle injury suffered in the dying moments of the loss in Atlanta on Mar. 13.
Bryant went on to play the first quarter against Indiana on Mar. 15, but he sat out the last two games in full. Bryant is listed as day-to-day, and he is still expected to play on Friday against the Washington Wizards.
Along with Bryant, the Lakers have not yet ruled out Gasol’s involvement in Friday’s home game.
According to Lakers’ team spokesman John Black, Gasol underwent an ultrasound on Tuesday afternoon that showed normal progress with regards to healing.
Gasol will take part in workouts on Thursday and Friday, and his foot’s reaction to the practices will likely determine whether he plays on Friday.
When Gasol was originally injured, the diagnosis called for six to eight weeks of recovery time. As of Tuesday, Gasol has missed six weeks. However, the 7-foot Spaniard’s recovery has been progressing without any major setbacks, so his return to the team is expected to occur sooner rather than later.
The Lakers have gone 13-3 over the stretch of play when Gasol was out. However, that level of winning has stemmed more from Howard’s return to fitness and form than anything else (oh, and Kobe playing out of his mind, of course).
The Lakers only have 13 games remaining in the 2012-13 regular season, and they need all hands on deck for the final push into the playoffs. Los Angeles is currently in the eighth and final playoffs spot.
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