Lakers’ Jodie Meeks to return against Houston; Pau Gasol questionable

The Lakers resume play Wednesday night at Staples Center, playing host to Dwight Howard and the Houston Rockets.

A Lakers team that has struggled all season with injuries will welcome back Jodie Meeks, who will make his return from a sprained ankle.

Meeks was injured Feb. 4 in a loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Pau Gasol may join him Wednesday after sitting out since Jan. 31 because of a groin injury.

“It felt pretty good today,� Gasol said. “It’s my first practice in 2 1/2 weeks. It’s a big step forward. We’ll see how it feels tomorrow, see how it feels at shoot-around, and make a decision.�

There’s a chance that Jordan Farmar (hamstring) also could return against Houston, although the Lakers consider him somewhere between doubtful and questionable. A more likely day for Farmar’s return might be Friday when the Lakers host the Boston Celtics.

“I feel like I’ll be out there really soon,� said Farmar, who has played in only five games since Dec. 1 and once since Jan. 1. “We’ll see how I feel, and move forward from that.�

Meanwhile, Kobe Bryant is still experiencing swelling and soreness in his left knee. There’s no true timetable for his return until his knee returns to normal.

Nick Young is considered day-to-day, but will probably sit out the rest of the week because of his knee injury.

Xavier Henry is out for another few weeks, also with a knee injury.

Steve Nash didn’t practice Tuesday. His status remains unclear as he tries to work through nerve issues in his back, knee and hamstring.

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Email Eric Pincus at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.