Lakers coach Mike D'Antoni remains optimistic that both Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol will return to the lineup from injuries for the team's matchup against the Washington Wizards on Friday. D'Antoni told ESPNLA.com on Wednesday that he remains hopeful that the pair will be able to play.
"Hopefully Kobe [Bryant] and Pau will be back Friday, hopefully, and then we can start going forward with everybody that we need to have," D'Antoni said, later agreeing with a reporter who asked if he "expected" the pair back.
Gasol participated in a game of 4-on-4 during the Lakers practice Wednesday. It was the first time Gasol took part in the drill since suffering a plantar fascia tear in his right foot in early February.
Bryant did not practice, instead taking time off to rehabilitate his injured left ankle that he sprained against Atlanta last week. However, Bryant tweeted some positive reinforcement for Lakers fans, writing, "Ankle feels fine. Gonna practice full speed tmr then take it from there."
While Bryant continues to rest, Gasol said he planned to test his foot in the team's 5-on-5 drill Thursday before making a final decision. "I feel confident, but we don't want to get too ahead of ourselves," Gasol said.
Los Angeles has a one-game lead over the Utah Jazz for the eight seed in the Western Conference. With the season ending in less than a month on April 17, every game is crucial for Los Angeles to hold on to the final playoff spot.
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