Most of the attention recently has been going towards the returns of Steve Nash, Steve Blake, and Jordan Farmar. The rest going to new injuries of Jodie Meeks, Nick Young, and again, Jordan Farmar.
With so many players getting hurt or becoming healthy, it has been easy to forget about early-season star Xavier Henry. Henry was enjoying a career year before going down with a bone bruise on December 29 against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Henry has continued to work through the issue and finally seems close to returning as the Lakers official Twitter page posted an update on Henry’s return:
.@XavierHenry worked on the side today. D’Antoni says post-All-Star break is a possibility, “he’s getting closer.” pic.twitter.com/gPpk9fhOdI
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 10, 2014
Add Henry to the group of Pau Gasol, Nick Young, Jordan Farmar, and Jodie Meeks who are all looking to return after the All-Star break. Assuming no one else gets injured, which isn’t wise considering the Lakers injury luck, the team could have nearly a full roster by the beginning of March.
Henry’s ability to attack the basket and knock down open shots will be a welcome addition to a team with very few guys healthy who can create their own shot. Henry also spent some time at backup point guard for the team, but that won’t be needed with Nash and Blake joining Kendall Marshall at the point position.
So far this season, Henry has averaged career highs in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and field goal percentage.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Lakers Vs. Bulls: Wesley Johnson On Team Being Banged Up, Talks Chris Kaman’s Play