After staying sidelined for nearly two months because of a bone bruise in his right knee and an abnormality in his lateral meniscus, Xavier Henry finally returned to the court.
But not in a Lakers uniform.
Henry appeared in a rehab assignment Thursday with the D-Fenders, the Lakers’ Development League affiliate, in what could mark the final steps of his recovery. He posted 15 points and four steals in the D-Fenders’ 121-103 road loss Thursday to the Texas Legends.
After 2 months it felt good just to pick up a basketball and run down the court again .. Gonna continue to push through #Blessed #Hardwork
— Xavier Henry (@XavierHenry) February 28, 2014
The Lakers had hoped Henry could participate in a full-court five-on-five practice. But with the team having a day off Thursday to rest up following back-to-back road games, Henry’s D-League participation could accelerate Henry’s return. The Lakers (19-39) host the Sacramento Kings (20-37) tonight at Staples Center, though it’s unclear if Henry will return. The Lakers also play in Portland on Monday.
Before his injury, the 22-year-old Henry became a pleasant surprise for the Lakers, averaging 10.4 points in part because of his athleticism and aggressiveness driving toward the basket. Henry also made a D-League appearance in 2012 with the Iowa Energy where he scored 13 points.
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Follow L.A. Daily News Lakers beat writer Mark Medina on Twitter. E-mail him at mark.medina@langnews.com