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.