Xavier Henry Will Suit Up Tonight for the D-Fenders

Dec 13, 2013; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Los Angeles Lakers small forward Xavier Henry (7) dribbles the ball in front of Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Reggie Jackson (15) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Lakers reporter, Mike Trudell, reported today that Xavier Henry is very close to returning to the Lakers line up. Xavier has been out since December 29th with a meniscus injury, but will suit up tonight for his D-League assignment asthe D-Fenders take on the Texas legends. Here is Mike Trudell’s offical word:

Dave McMenemin of ESPNLA had this to add:

"The fourth-year wing player, who suffered a bone bruise in his right knee on Dec. 29 against Philadelphia and was later diagnosed with an abnormality of the lateral meniscus and has been sidelined ever since, has been ramping up his workouts and could return to the lineup as soon as Friday when the Lakers host the Sacramento Kings, or Monday when the Lakers play a road game against the Portland Trail Blazers."

Xavier Henry has average 10.1 PPG and 2.7 RPG in 31 games this season. He was a force off the bench due to his size and ball handling ability. However, he is returning to a new team that has a variety of wing players to choose from. Newcomers Kent Bazemore and MarShon Brooks, in addition to Nick Young, Jodie Meeks, and Wes Johnson create a logjam at the wing.

Before his injury, Xavier was a fan favorite and a candidate to return next season. Xavier will now have some stiff competition to prove that he is deserving of a new contract.