According to Lakers reporter Mike Trudell the Lakers just wrapped up their first practice since yesterday’s loss to the Denver Nuggets. The main topic of conversation was obviously the health of the Los Angeles big men, mainly Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum. Both players suffered minor knee injuries during yesterday’s loss, but both said they were fine today.
Bynum’s situation seemed to be less serious than Gasol’s. It appears that Pau will have a precautionary MRI this afternoon just to make sure nothing is structurally damaged. Bynum said his knee felt fine and that he sat out the end of the game against Denver as a precautionary measure. Considering Bynum’s history of knee problems in the past, I would say it was a good decision by Phil Jackson and the coaching staff to keep him on the bench.
Bynum has stated that he intends to start on Tuesday night against the Utah Jazz while Gasol will await his MRI results before making a final declaration. With the Lakers seemingly locked into the second seed in the Western Conference, it might be a good idea to make sure the players are rested and fully healthy for the playoffs rather than risking them for the last few games of the regular season.
For Trudell’s complete practice report be sure to check out his main Lakers home page.
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