Kobe Bryant's right index finger is being put back in a metal splint during games. Pau Gasol has a sore hamstring and is still listed as doubtful for the Lakers' upcoming back-to-back swing through San Antonio and Dallas. But there was actually some good health news to come out of Lakers practice on Monday.
Lakers forward Ron Artest participated in a full practice and did not require evaluation by a neurologist after only playing 19 minutes on Sunday following a collision with Michael Redd.
There was a bit of a discrepancy between Artest's version of the severity of the collision and coach Phil Jackson's version on Sunday night.
Jackson said Artest asked out of the game after the hit, Artest said he was fine.
Monday, it wasn't an issue.
"I think he's OK," Jackson said, dispelling speculation that Artest would miss any more time from lingering effects from the concussion he sustained on Dec. 25 that caused him to miss five games.
Gasol, meanwhile, continued to rehabilitate his strained left hamstring by running on a treadmill.
"He's still finishing up his therapy," Jackson said, offering no further update.
Luke Walton, nursing a back injury, also participated in a full practice but indicated he would not be ready to play on Tuesday.
Dave McMenamin covers the Lakers for ESPNLosAngeles.com.