As expected, Lamar Odom returns to the starting lineup tonight. Luke Walton heads to the bench as the Lakers go with a modified lineup that will include Odom at small forward and Ronny Turiaf at power forward.

This, of course, will be Odom’s first game action of any type since May 5, when the Lakers were eliminated by Phoenix in the first round of the playoffs. Shortly after, Odom underwent shoulder surgery and did not appear in any of the Lakers’ preseason games. He was cleared to play by doctors Friday morning.

“It’s great news. It’s about time,” Odom said. “I just have to take my time. It won’t all come back in one day.”