The Lakers star, who recently signed a two-year, $48.5 million deal, did some form shooting Friday in this video from Lakers reporter Mike Trudell. Expected to miss six weeks, Bryant didn't push off for much lift as a precaution for his injured leg.

Bryant previously missed eight months with a torn Achilles, but returned early to the struggling Lakers. He plans to come back from this injury as well, even though his team is sure to miss out on the postseason.


PAUL SEPARATES SHOULDER


Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul left Friday's game against the Dallas Mavericks with an shoulder injury. Paul will miss at least three after separating his right shoulder, coach Doc Rivers said.

The Clippers play at San Antonio on Saturday.

Paul was tripped by Mavericks guard Monta Ellis while dribbling around a screen. He rolled over and stayed on the floor holding his shoulder while trainers attended to him.

After staying down for about a minute, Paul went to the locker room with 6:43 remaining in third quarter.

Team officials said Paul would not return to the game.

Paul scored 19 points in the first half and made his first five shots, all from 3-point range.


ASIK STAYING PUT


After several reports placed Omer Asik in trades, it appears the Houston Rockets big man will stay put, according to a CBSSports report.

The Rockets worked to create a market to move Asik, but had trouble getting any team to offer assets in return. Problems arose because all of the NBA knew Asik was unhappy in his role, and the Rockets' only choices were to eat his large contract or take a bad trade.

“Teams that are tanking don't want him to make them better and winning teams want to steal him,” one rival GM told CBSSports Ken Berger.

Because he was signed to a poison-pill contract, Asik will make $15 million next season and few teams are willing to take on that salary for a player with little to offer on offense. Any team that traded for Asik before Dec. 15 would have paid out an average of 10.5 million over two years, as CBSSports noted.


RONDO TO D-LEAGUE?


Stars on Rajon Rondo's level typically make their basketball return under the bright lights of the NBA with plenty anticipation surrounding their comeback.

Because of Rondo's insistence on testing out his surgically repaired knee, however, the Boston Celtics point guard could a path less traveled.

Rondo is so anxious to get back on the basketball court that he could serve a stint with the Maine Red Claws, the Celtics' D-League affiliate, according to ESPNBoston.com.

"So we've been talking to Rajon — he's just looking for opportunities," Ainge said Thursday. "It's funny, about 10 days ago he was looking for the guys in the office to get their gear on to go down and play 5-on-5 against him. There's not enough practice time — there has been 5-on-5 practice, but we're not playing game-like and going up and down; we've been playing so many games.

"He's anxious to practice and to play. It was his idea [to consider Maine], actually, to go practice with the Red Claws and possibly play with Maine Red Claws at some point. But those are still in discussion. I'm not sure when he would do that, but that's probably the next step."

With reporters on hand, Rondo confirmed that he is considering a stay in the D-League.

"I think that's what [the D-League is] for," Rondo said. "I'd probably be the first guy to do that, but it doesn't make a difference. I want to make sure I'm healthy and I handle it the right way. I don't want my first [game-like action] to be with the Celtics. I haven't had a preseason. I haven't had a training camp. Right now, this is pretty much my training camp."

This approach would make sense. In baseball, players spend time in the minors before joining their team. Considering the injury Rondo has, it would be prudent to test out the knee away from scrutiny and the rigors of the NBA schedule.

"It's an idea, definitely," Rondo said. "That's more game-like speed. With our schedule, with the Celtics, we don't get a chance to play a lot of pickup, so [the Red Claws] might be a possibility."

For the time being, Rondo will join the Celtics on a five-game road trip that starts in Oklahoma City on Sunday. Although Rondo will be with the team, Ainge things basketball players should take the approach Rondo is considering.

"I think Rajon is very sensitive to not being a detriment to his team, and coming back and playing without really playing," Ainge said. "I think he wants to get some of the rust off and not hurt his team when he gets back. ... I think he wants to help the team."


NASH PLANS


Los Angels Lakers point guard Steve Nash's effort to return to the basketball court will continue in Vancouver as he prepares for a possible February comeback, according to Lakers.com.

Nash had trouble with injury from the onset of his stay with the Lakers, as he suffered a fractured leg and dealt with the aftereffects of his injury. Nash still struggles with nerve irritation and a number of other injuries.

Despite his struggles in coming back, Nash has not wavered on his intention to re-join the Lakers.

"I feel confident I have the chance to play again," Nash said, according to ESPNLosAngeles.com. "It’s just a matter of how lucky am I, how strong can I get."

The constant issues for Nash have led to rumors he could possibly retire, and, in his most recent comments, Nash sounded like a man who is aware that the end is near.

"I really love the game and I know that I’ve got a really short window of basketball in my life so I just want to get out there," Nash said.

Contributor: DeAntae Prince

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