With Kobe Bryant nursing a damaged right pinkie that will need surgery after he’s won the gold medal with Team USA at the Beijing Olympics and Derek Fisher trying to play with a partially torn tendon in his right foot, the Lakers’ backcourt suddenly looks fragile.
Bryant and Fisher are hurting just as the team’s 7-footers are starting to return.
Chris Mihm played five minutes-plus in Friday’s loss to the Grizzlies and Pau Gasol might play Sunday against the Wizards, although Wednesday against the Blazers might be a better guess. Andrew Bynum might be back before the end of the regular season.
Trouble is, this team hasn’t been 100 percent healthy at any time this season. It could prove costly down the stretch and into the playoffs.