Los Angeles News
Lakers Forward Jordan Hill Back At Practice
By Michael Mintos
Oct 18, 2012 - 4:49:05 PM

Lakers forward Jordan Hill

LOS ANGELES—Forward Jordan Hill, a key bench player for the Los Angeles Lakers, returned to practice Thursday after sitting out two weeks with a herniated disk in his back. However, he was not cleared for contact during practice and will not play Friday in an exhibition game against the Sacramento Kings in Las Vegas.

Barring any unforeseen complications, Hill is on schedule with his rehabilitation to return to full strength by the team’s season opener on October 30. Hill has progressed quicker than expected after suffering the injury on October 6. He ran full speed with the team Thursday and acclimated himself to drills with very little resistance. Regardless, Hill had to be present mentally as the Lakers began to install new offensive and defensive schemes.

Head Coach Mike Brown and the rest of the team gave a big sigh of relief at Hill’s presence at practice as the Lakers haven’t been getting much work from their big men during exhibition games. A back injury has sidelined top off-season acquisition Dwight Howard as well, while a groin has hampered Earl Clark and Pau Gasol has suffered from fatigue.