McKie Back in Uniform

SACRAMENTO —  Laker guard Aaron McKie was back on the active list Tuesday, ending a 50-game inactive exile by suiting up for the first time since Dec. 1.

The torn quadriceps tendon now fully healed in his left leg, McKie must show if he can contribute anything this season.

His return was almost mandatory. Had he not suited up, the Lakers would have had only 11 players against Sacramento. Devean George was out because of a slightly fractured wrist, Chris Mihm was out because of a severely sprained ankle, and Von Wafer was still in the Development League.

McKie, who didn’t play against the Kings, signed a two-year, $5-million contract before the season, but got off to a slow start and was averaging only 0.3 points and 0.6 assists when he was injured.

“He’s legitimately cleared to play but ... timing and NBA game-style, he’s not ready,” Laker Coach Phil Jackson said. “This is the time for Aaron to see if he is ready and if he can play and then we’ll make assessments from there about him helping us in the playoffs.”

*

Jackson, who has continued to speak of the playoffs as if they’re a given, was equally sure Bryant would recover from consecutive poor games.

He had a brief talk with Bryant before Tuesday’s game.

“Just a word,” Jackson said.

What word?

“ ‘Frustrating, wasn’t it?’ That kind of word.”

That’s three words.

“I think he’ll be fine,” Jackson said, smiling. “His legs looked dead on Sunday. We gave him a day off [Monday]. We know it’s the time of year that guys come up a little bit short on effort because of the fatigue.

“I have to be very careful at the allegorical things that I use as far as how difficult the season is, but I’ll remain very clear that it’s a hard, hard trip. No death marches, we hope.”

Jackson last week compared the Laker stretch drive to the Bataan death march.

TONIGHT

vs. Minnesota, 7:30, FSN West

Site -- Staples Center.

Radio -- 570; 1330.

Records -- Lakers 33-32; Timberwolves 26-37.

Record vs. Timberwolves -- 0-3.

Update -- The Lakers’ three losses to the Timberwolves have been by an average of 10.7 points.