The Los Angeles Lakers have struggled this season and now are looking at an 11-14 record, however, they may gain some relief with the expectation that they'll soon see a return of Steve Nash and Pau Gasol to the starting lineup.
Nash and Gasol returned to practice Monday and are expected to make a return within the upcoming games.
Nash, who hasn't played since fracturing his leg on Halloween, is hoping to return Saturday against Golden State barring a setback in practice this week.
Nash has been out for six weeks with a nondisplaced fracture in his left leg. He said Monday that he's hopeful to "play by Christmas" if his leg responds well to the increased activity and he's able to get back into game shape.
"It's starting to get exciting just because I'm able to do some things," Nash said. "The majority of the last six weeks have been pretty inactive. So it's nice to be able to get out there with the guys and just see some light at the end of the tunnel.
"It's definitely sore and it's definitely going to be a process -- not just to get back to complete health but also to get back into shape. But I have to take what I can get. To be on the court sweating and playing and just working on my game a bit is important to me."
Gasol, who has been out for close to two weeks to rest tendinitis in both knees, also appears close to returning to game action. On Monday he said he would play Tuesday night against the Charlotte Bobcats if he feels good after the Lakers' morning shootaround.
"It's been two weeks, it's been a while. I miss playing and I miss being out there and competing with my team," Gasol said. "My knees are not in pain as they were. So if there's no need to miss another game, I won't miss another game."
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