Hooped Up

Lakers center Chris Mihm is with the team for its eight-game trip, elated that his ankle rehabilitation has gone better than expected and that he might return later this season.

“My ankle is coming along really well, ahead of the schedule I was given by the doctors,” Mihm said. “I’ve still got quite a ways to go on it, but my sights have been set on coming back and playing this year. It’s been pretty exciting to me. It keeps me motivated and working hard every day.”

Mihm has undergone two operations since tearing ligaments in his right ankle last March against Seattle. He is listed on the injury report as being out for the season but is making steady progress with a routine that includes swimming and upper-body weightlifting.

L.A. Times