Van Exel Sparks Lakers Guard Turns In Good Showing In His First Game In A Month

Nick Van Exel, who missed a month with a right knee injury, was activated by the Los Angeles Lakers before Sunday’s game against the Vancouver Grizzlies.

The knee’s fine, the back’s a little sore, but most importantly the touch is still there as Van Exel’s contributions over 18 minutes were most welcome in his first game in a month.

“Nick did far better than anybody could have hoped for,” coach Del Harris said after his Lakers won their sixth straight, beating the Vancouver Grizzlies 119-110 Sunday afternoon. “I was just hoping that he could get out and get a little feel. I really didn’t expect him to make a big contribution.”

He finished with eight points and six assists. The Lakers were 9-4 without Van Exel.

The Lakers play at Seattle tonight and at home Wednesday against Phoenix.