Gasol and Bynum, Almost Ready to Return

It has been a bleak several days for the Lakers, as fans must be getting flashbacks as Kobe Bryant drops 50+ in a losing effort. Neither Pau Gasol nor Andrew Bynum will play tonight against Washington, but Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times reports both have stepped up their rehab efforts: Gasol scrimmaged Saturday, and Bynum will travel with the team next weekend to participate in pregame workouts and possibly get some game time.

Gasol's been out much longer than expected -- the initial diagnosis assumed three missed games. Tonight's absence will be #9. Bynum, however, is about on track for his most recent return projection. It seems he'll get a week or two of work before the postseason strikes.

The crazy thing about the West -- there will be no grace period in the playoffs. In the first round, the Lakers could be facing Phoenix, Dallas, Utah, Denver, or Golden State. You can't afford to spot any of those teams a game trying to work your twin towers back into the game plan. Considering Gasol and Bynum have never played a minute together, the lack of familiarity should bring with it some consternation. Next year's a long ways away.