Theo Ratliff returns to practice

[magicbalala245]

The front end of the Lakers' center rotation has been intact since Andrew Bynum returned to the lineup last month. Sunday during practice, they took a step towards getting the back end whole as well.

 

Veteran center Theo Ratliff, who on Nov. 17 underwent successful arthroscopic surgery to perform a partial meniscectomy on his left knee, returned to the practice floor.

 

The 37-year-old Ratliff, a 15-year NBA veteran, hasn't played since Nov. 9. In eight games, he's averaging 0.3 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks a game. "He was out there for most of the practice. Because we have four centers he wasn't on the floor all the time, but he did pretty well," coach Phil Jackson said of Ratliff's effort. "Everything everyone else did. We played some full court, played some half court, we ran some transition things. He did pretty good."

 

The Lakers will wait to see how Ratliff responds to the day's activity before attempting to project when he might return to the lineup.

 

Jackson acknowledged Ratliff likely won't see significant minutes once he returns, but finds value in his presence beyond providing an insurance policy in case Bynum or Pau Gasol find themselves in foul trouble.

 

"He is going to be necessary. He gives us an opportunity to send Derrick Caracter down to the D-League and get some playing experience, which is important," Jackson said. "His practice, what he brings to practice, is kind of important, too. His experience, his ability to contest, it can change things up so we have to work a little harder [in practice]."

[*Swish*]

That's good news. Imagine Bynum or Gasol get injured, there will be Ratliff that might help the Lakers out in this situation