The Lakers get back their core

It would be an understatement to say the Lakers’ hope for this season was far from what played out. After scoring Dwight Howard and Steve Nash in free agency, most people believed that LA would be unstoppable. The front office believed this as well while scoring to two of the biggest names in the game in one offseason. Regardless, the Lakers have yet to look like a championship caliber team. In fact, they have barely looked like a playoff caliber team during their mercurial season. Their playoff hopes are still alive though. As they battle it out with Utah, Houston, Portland, and Dallas for the final playoff spot, their hopes will be fortified come Friday.

The Lakers’ camp believes that this Friday will mark the return of both Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol. Bryant suffered a severe ankle sprain during a loss against the Pacers last week, which saw him sit out a few games. Gasol has been sidelined since February 5^th with a torn plantar Fascia in his foot. Both players went through a full practices Thursday morning, and are expected to play against the Washington Wizards in Friday’s game.

What makes this an interesting scenario, barring any more injury, is that the core group of Lakers have only played 2 games together so far this season. The group that includes Bryant, Gasol, Nash, Dwight Howard, Metta World Peace, and Steve Blake have not played together since before the All-Star break. Each of the players on the list have all been on the bench for some amount of time with injury, as well as a few lost games due to World Peace suspensions. The game against the Wizards would mark their 3^rd appearance together, and a possible turning point in their season.

The Los Angeles Lakers are currently sitting in 8^th place with a game and a half lead over the Utah Jazz. Will the Lake-show be able to stay healthy and make a deep playoff run in the 2013 season?

Photo courtesy of Deviant Art