Xavier Henry available to play vs. Rockets

The Los Angeles Lakers received good news on NBA regular season opening day. Xavier Henry will be available to play after missing the entire preseason due to problems with his knee, reports Lakers sideline reporter Mike Trudell. Henry was scheduled to receive a second opinion on his knee before flying overseas to Germany to receive Regenokine treatment from the same doctor Kobe Bryant has consulted multiple times.

Henry is a big piece of the Lakers' bench unit after averaging 10 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game last season. His year was cut short due to a wrist injury, and he was still recovering from both of his ailments heading into training camp.

The Lakers' small forward depth has been decimated by injuries, leaving Wesley Johnson to play a big role in head coach Byron Scott's rotation. It's unclear if Henry will play during the Lakers season opener against the Rockets, as Trudell notes, but even if he doesn't, his return is a positive for Los Angeles.