NBA Rumors and News Roundup: Kobe's Wrist Healed, Kyrie Irving Has Concussion

Kyrie Irving's concussion put a head-to-head matchup with Chris Paul and the Los Angeles Clippers on hold, but his team didn't disappoint the fans who paid to watch the action on Wednesday night.

Another night filled with action in this crazy shortened season, and it was another evening marred by injuries sustained by a litany of players.

Thursday night brings the first matchup of the season between the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics. Bryant's wrist is responding the way he'd like it to just in time for the heavily-hyped matchup.

Steve Blake

The Lakers have had a lot of problems at the point guard position all season, but those deficiencies have worsened emphatically since Blake went down with an injury.

Now, his ribs are feeling better, and despite being listed as a game-time decision, Blake is expected back in the lineup when the Lakers take on the Celtics on Thursday.

Los Angeles will likely tinker with a lineup involving both Blake and Andrew Goudelock on the floor at the same time, so that will be one element to watch as the Lakers attempt to find creative ways to space the floor.

Wilson Chandler

Chandler has been playing in China this season after signing a deal while the lockout was still in effect, but the CBA's season is winding down.

When he does return to the states, the restricted free agent fully intends to re-sign with the Denver Nuggets, and that makes the team even deeper and more dangerous.

With the injury to Danilo Gallinari, the Nuggets could use the versatile Chandler right now, but the team will have to wait until he's done abroad and is cleared to return to the league.

Kyle Lowry

Lowry has been a stable source of production for Houston this season, and although many are still doubting his game, his success isn't a new trend.

The Rockets saw what Lowry could do last season after Aaron Brooks was injured and No. 7 was given a full-time role, and he's captivated with his impressive play since that time.

However, Lowry ran back to the locker room in obvious pain and was diagnosed with a hyperextended elbow. The Rockets have to be hoping that Lowry won't be forced to sit out multiple contests.

Jerryd Bayless

Bayless' ankle should have its own slide with how many stories have revolved around it recently, and it's the subject of discussion once again.

He tweaked his troublesome left ankle once again on Wednesday, and he was not allowed to return to the game following the injury.

It's not quite at the Stephen Curry level of nagging ankle injuries, but Bayless' inability to put the concerns behind him is something to note going forward.

Kyrie Irving

Irving was a surprise scratch on Wednesday after so many had been anticipating a head-to-head bout with Chris Paul, but the Cavs still emerged victorious without him.

He took a knee to the back of his head against Miami, and after sustaining headaches which continued to persist, Irving was diagnosed with a concussion.

There is no timetable for his return to action right now, but he won't be allowed to return until he passes the necessary medical tests to gain clearance.

Gilbert Arenas

Arenas' name has been linked to the Lakers for a couple of weeks now, and Los Angeles is finally going to see what the veteran has left in the tank.

The club will "take a look" at Arenas, and it makes a lot of sense considering that there has been no solution at point guard this season and the Lakers remain desperate for offensive production.

If and only if healthy and motivated, Arenas could actually help the Lakers, but there remains a level of concern regarding how his hypothetical addition would impact the locker room and if he'd be able to mesh with Kobe Bryant.

Andrea Bargnani

Bargnani's numbers are very impressive this year, but he's been unable to get over the hump in his recovery from a strained calf.

After returning from the injury previously, Bargnani played just two games before hitting the sidelines once again and has missed eight straight games since going down.

General manager Bryan Colangelo confirmed that the big man will remain on the shelf and remains out for an "extended period" of time.

Kobe Bryant

Bryant had been playing the entire season with a torn wrist ligament suffered against the Clippers in the preseason, but he now says he's good to go for the remainder of the year.

No. 24 told beat writer Kevin Ding that his wrist is now "healed," and that could very well mean bad news for the rest of the league.

His obsession with getting a sixth ring is obvious, but the Lakers will have to surround him with a better supporting cast if he's going to do it this year.