As the weekend kicked off Pau Gasol revealed that he was pain-free and close to returning for the Los Angeles Lakers. In fact, he called a return Tuesday against the Charlotte Bobcats "questionable" and the Saturday contest against the Golden State Warriors "probable". It looks like that "questionable" is now an "expected", per Los Angeles Times reporter Mike Bresnahan.

Pau Gasol will practice tomorrow, expected to play Tuesday vs. Charlotte. Nash won't be practicing...yet. #Lakers

— Mike Bresnahan (@Mike_Bresnahan) December 17, 2012

The timeline makes a great deal of sense, as the Lakers' next game after Tuesday night comes Saturday, providing them a window to see how Gasol responds to playing actual minutes on the floor while maintaining a cushion to allow him to rest and receive treatment on the tendinitis in his knees which has had him sidelined since December 2nd. With Jordan Hill also stating he is hoping to play Tuesday, the Lakers will happily accept adding bodies to their maligned depth. Especially in the form of Pau Gasol.

- Drew

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