Jordan Hill to see doctor Tuesday in hopes he can return in possible playoff run

Lakers forward Jordan Hill told this newspaper he plans to see a doctor Tuesday with the slim hope that he could receive medical clearance to return in late April or early May after spending the past three months rehabbing from a surgically repaired left hip.

Lakers coach Mike D’Antoni has expressed skepticism that scenario could unfold because of the time it’d take for Hill to get back into basketball shape, let alone the team’s solidified seven-man rotation. Hill’s return also hinges on whether the Lakers make the playoffs. The Lakers (40-36) currently have a half-game lead over the Utah Jazz (40-37) for the eighth playoff seed with six games remaining.

Still, Hill has somewhat progressed since his surgery.

Hes’ been off crutches for the past five weeks and has performed exercises on the bikes and elliptical machines. Hill said he’s also lifted weights, but he has yet to be cleared to participate in any basketball-related drills.

After having surgery Jan. 23 on his left hip, the Lakers expected Hill to stay sidelined for at least six months. Hill injured his left hip in the Lakers’ loss Jan. 6th against the Denver Nuggets. He had appeared in 29 games averaging 6.7 points and 5.7 rebounds in 15.8 minutes.

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Follow L.A. Daily News Lakers beat writer Mark Medina on Twitter. E-mail him at mark.medina@dailynews.com