New York Knicks All-Star power forward Amar'e Stoudemire has been sidelined since the beginning of the season, but plans to make a return to the court on or about Christmas day.

This Christmas the Knicks will play in their highly anticipated matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers, and according to a report made by the New York Post, Stoudemire is targeting that game to make a comeback.

"We're going to accept Amar'e back when he's ready to go, and when that is, I don't know. I really don't," Knicks coach Mike Woodson said after shootaround. "That's a great sign he's out running and he's shooting a little bit. We're just going to gauge it as he goes along, and doctors and Amar'e will tell us when he's ready."

Stoudemire had left knee debridement during the offseason and hasn't returned to the court since. During Friday morning's shootaround, Stoudemire participated in a few running drills, as well as lateral drills with resistance bands to build muscle strength in his legs.

In his absence, the Knicks managed to start 10-4 to the season. It was reported yesterday that Stoudemire is showing willingness to become the team's sixth man coming off the bench if it'll ensure that the team's already current chemistry is no affected.

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