Lakers expect Gasol to play Wednesday
LAKERS REPORT
High-scoring big man has been out of the lineup for nine games, with the team going 5-4 in his absence.
The Lakers expect to have forward/center Pau Gasol return to their lineup Wednesday when they host the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center.
Both Gasol and Lakers Coach Phil Jackson said at Tuesday's practice that Gasol will probably play after missing nine games with a sprained left ankle. Gasol participated in the entire practice with the team and said he would watch for swelling overnight.
The Lakers are 5-4 in his absence and have dropped to the third in the Western Conference standings. The Lakers currently are in first place in the Pacific division with the same record (50-24) as the Phoenix Suns, but the Lakers have the tiebreaker.
Also, Lakers center Andrew Bynum ran on the court for the first time today since injuring his left knee in January. He is expected to resume traveling with the team soon, although no date has been penciled for his return.
The Lakers have eight games left in the regular season.
jonathan.abrams@latimes.com
