Xavier Henry still recovering from injuries, could be limited in training camp

The Los Angeles Lakers have been dealing with injury problems for the past two seasons, and might be starting on the wrong foot heading into the 2014-2015 season. Xavier Henry missed 39 games last season due to knee and wrist injuries and still hasn't fully recovered. Lakers head coach Byron Scott spoke with the Los Angeles Daily News' Mark Medina and said the returning swingman could be limited in training camp while his health is still improving:

In a wide-ranging interview with this newspaper, Lakers coach Byron Scott said forward Xavier Henry "might be limited in training camp" because of a surgically repaired left wrist and right knee that have not fully healed.

"I haven't seen him do much on the court," Scott said. "It's going to be close on if he's ready for camp."

Those quotes don't leave room much reason to feel very optimistic about Henry bouncing back, but it's still a bit early to start cursing the injury gods for this one. Training camp is still three weeks away, leaving plenty of time for Henry's status to improve from where it currently is. The Lakers expect Henry to be fine by the regular season opener, according to Medina, but his conditioning and familiarity with new teammates, along with a new coaching staff, could be hampered if he's unable to fully participate through training camp.

Henry had a good start to the 2013-2014 season with the Lakers after looking like a player that would be out of the league prior to signing a minimum deal with the Lakers. He injured his knee in late December and was projected to miss no more than two weeks with a bone bruise, but his return continued to be pushed back with little-to-no specifics announced by the Lakers. Henry returned in March, but tore ligaments in his left wrist that sidelined him for the remainder of the season.

The Lakers re-signed Henry to a one-year, veteran's minimum contract this summer, and he is expected to be a key player in the Lakers' forward and shooting guard rotation. He averaged a career-high 10 points per game with the Lakers, giving the team some much needed athleticism and playmaking. He started the season off with a bang for the Lakers, dropping 22 points and delivering this rim-rocking dunk as the Lakers defeated the Clippers to tip-off the season:

Hopefully he can get his health in line and help deliver another memorable opening night victory when the Lakers host the Houston Rockets on Oct. 28.