The Los Angeles Lakers preseason schedule put them up against the Denver Nuggets and while the team lost 97-88 in the matchup, there was plenty to be positive about, including the status of Pau Gasol, who finished with 13 shots in the game while playing 23 minutes.
With Kobe Bryant away getting treatment for his knee, Gasol returned to the court for the first time in months and while he only hit four shots, the fact that he took 13 is a welcome sign, as ESPN.com reports that he did not reach double digit shots in 13 games last season. Without Dwight Howard in the fold, Gasol will get more touches this season and he should easily be able to bounce back from last season, when he put career low numbers of 13 points and 8.6 rebounds per game.
The Lakers are also dealing with an injury to Wesley Johnson, who had an MRI this week on his left foot that showed a strain, but nothing worse like a tear or break. Johnson is an important player for the Lakers this season and while he did not participate in practice after leaving the game on Sunday, the team said that he is say to day. ESPN.com reported the news about the MRI and coach Mike D'Antoni said that Johnson felt a "burning" in his foot after leaving the game against the Nuggets.
Johnson finished the game early and left near the end of the first quarter after scoring two points on five shots and adding three rebounds. The team is going to rely heavily on Johnson and the other bench players with Kobe Bryant dealing with his knee issues and return from injury and the Lakers are hoping that Johnson isn't hampered later in the season. Johnson has not had the start he wanted for the Lakers, but that doesn't mean he won't be an important factor this season.
The play of Gasol and Steve Nash also will play a big part and now that Bryant appears closer to getting ready, the Lakers think that they still can make a run. The team has been impressed with Xavier Henry, who had 29 points against the Warriors and 15 against the Nuggets and he is playing himself into great position for LA. Johnson had two turnovers in the game against Golden State and while the injury could keep him out of practice this week, D'Antoni said he should be fine for the start of the season.
