The Los Angeles Lakers are desperate for any kind of relief when it comes to injuries to the starting lineup. The team is prepping to start a lengthy road trip that will see them play the next 10 of 15 games away from the Staples Center. With several players out with various injuries, there might be a light at the end of the tunnel for Lakers fans.
Head coach Mike D'Antoni told reporters (via ESPNLosAngeles.com) that both Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash would be re-evaluated at the end of the month with hopes of returning to the court in February. Nash has been out since Nov. 10 due to nerve irritation in his back and neck. Bryant has been out since Dec. 17 with a fractured in his left knee.
The Lakers have several players in need of some healing powers. Xavier Henry is suffering from a bone bruise in his right knee. D'Antoni noted that he will be evaluated this week and could join the team on the upcoming road trip. Steve Blake is expected to be out until Nash and Bryant return after tearing a ligament in his right elbow. Blake will have to undergo seven to 10 days of rehab before getting cleared for the court. Jordan Farmar is also expected to be out until at least February with a left hamstring tear.
The Lakers sit at 14-23 on the season having lost 10 of their last 11 games thanks to a depleted lineup. Despite the losses, Mitch Kupchak is defending D'Antoni and his future with the team.
"I don't think it changes the reality of anything," D'Antoni said, via ESPNLA 710 radio. "It's nice. The front office has been great to work with. They're great, everything is good. But you got to do your job. Things happen and we all know the risk of being a head coach. You just put your head down and keep going forward. I don't think it's something you sit around and contemplate or talk about or worry about, you just try to get the job done."
Injuries have left Pau Gasol as the center piece of the Lakers offense. D'Antoni is attempting to create a better plan to give the center more opportunities despite his free-flowing offense leaving little need for post-up possessions. There was a reported riff between Gasol and his head coach, something that D'Antoni denies has he re-works the team.
