Initially, I heard that Pau Gasol practiced for the first time in 2 weeks and would return by Christmas. I then checked another source, which said he would play Tuesday night. Technically, that means he will be back “by Christmas,” but that’s a week difference. I need some accuracy! “Me too” – Austin Rivers. The Lakers don’t play again after Tuesday until Saturday, so if they can get him some court action tomorrow night, that will give him a few days to rest his knees. If they can’t give him some minutes until Saturday, then, well, you’ll see him then.
Dirk Nowitzki – Not a lot of information about Dirk recently, but the rumor mill has him possibly returning to practice next week. Hopefully the mill grinds these rumors into a flour of truth.
Andrew Bogut – Speaking of a sparsity of news, the only thing I have heard is Warriors General Manager Bob Meyers as saying he is unsure if Bogut will need additional surgery on his ankle. It’s hard to tell if that’s just a passing comment or if fantasy owners need to sweat a bit more.
Amar’e Stoudemire – It looks like he will practice with the Knicks tomorrow, according to coach Mike Woodson and his thick, magnificent goatee. He may be back in time for the next Lakers match-up after all.
Jrue Holiday – He missed Sunday’s game as he tries to recover from a “soft-tissue injury” to his left foot, according to coach Doug Collins. He won’t be out long, but he may not return this week, either. Hopefully, there is a festive Holiday next week.
Andrew Bynum – As “reported” at Razzball earlier this month, Bynum is due for an MRI later this week. In the meantime, he told reporters yesterday that he no longer feels pain in either knee. Unfortunately, even if everything checks out okay, Bynum will have to work hard to get game ready. We’re looking at the end of January at the best, it seems.
Andrea Bargnani – Trade rumblings began a couple of weeks ago, and now with Bargnani calling the Raptors the worst team in the NBA while he deals with an elbow injury that will keep him on the bench until at least January.
Tyreke Evans – As discussed earlier today, Evans left the game after re-injuring the knee that caused him to miss five games already this year. No word on how long he will be out.
Patrick Patterson – He has been diagnoses with a bone bruise in his right foot, but as of now, the team does not know when he will return or what treatment PP should undergo without further testing. As with any fresh injury, unless bone is broken, you just have to sit tight and see what develops.
Steve Nash – Santa may well visit the Staples Center as Nash is supposed to start practicing this week, with a return the week after.
John Wall – Wall is due to practice today and see how his knee holds up. There is still some irritation in the area, and he’s still a while away, even if practice goes well.
Kyle Lowry – He will be out until after Christmas with a partial tear of his Triceratops. No, wait, sorry, that said triceps.
Jason Smith – I have torn ligaments in both of my ankles, and I have to say, it was not a pleasurable experience. Those injuries are basically the only reason I never became a professional athlete (cough). Smith has a torn labrum in his right shoulder, which will keep him sidelined for 2-4 weeks. I feel for you, Jason. I hope it isn’t your wiping arm.
