And, deciding what to do about Xavier Henry!
Okay, so the 23-year-old free agent isn’t priority numero uno. But every member of the roster from one through 15 matters, right?
And Henry, an athletic swingman, showed plenty of potential during a train wreck of a season—when he wasn’t injured, that is. On his way to having a breakout campaign after three disappointing years in the league, the Belgium native went out with a bone bruise in his knee at the end of December—an injury that kept him out of action for two months.
Henry attempted a comeback late in the season but reinjured his right knee and also tore a ligament in his left wrist.
According to a team statement, he underwent two successful surgeries on April 11 at the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic. The wrist surgery was performed by Dr. Steve Shin while surgery to correct a cartilage abnormality in his knee was performed by Dr. Steve Lombardo.
Henry is expected to make a full recovery in time for training camp—wherever that might be.
Unfortunately, for a slasher known for his ability to drive hard to the rim, nagging injuries and constant team changes over a brief basketball career have made it difficult for Henry to fully capitalize on his potential.
Like most of his teammates, Henry’s an unrestricted free agent. He earned $884,293 this season and could possibly land another minimum-salary contract, if Laker management is so disposed.
In early April, when it was clear Henry’s season was over, Dave McMenamin of ESPN LA asked then-coach Mike D’Antoni whether the oft-injured player had solidified his place in the lea...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
