<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">The Lakers conceded Wednesday what to date had been only a quiet rumor: Karl Malone will not be returning to the basketball court until March at the earliest. Malone sprained his right knee in a Dec. 21 collision with Phoenix's Scott Williams, and at the time, team officials hoped he would be back within days or, at worst, weeks. They now admit those expectations were "overly optimistic," in the words of Lakers spokesman John Black. The Lakers are projecting Malone will return in mid- to late March.</div>
That's some terrible news to hear and I really hope he gets well soon. Once Shaq recovers to full strength, Slava probably would be his substitute, and we've already seen what he can do on the court. I'm not too worried. I think the Lakers will be fine.
Even though Slava has proven that he can play he cant replace Malone. I hope he will be back a.s.a.p. He will be missed in the lineup. Its terrible that after 18 seasons he ends up for the first time in his carreer on the injury list.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting theclown1:</div><div class="quote_post">Even though Slava has proven that he can play he cant replace Malone. I hope he will be back a.s.a.p. He will be missed in the lineup. Its terrible that after 18 seasons he ends up for the first time in his carreer on the injury list.</div> Slava can replace Malone. I'm sure you've been watching Slava's performances every Laker game. The problem with Slava is he's just not consistent with his stats. Like for example he may come out and contribute 20 and 10, but then on the next night, he can just score 5 and 8 boards. It's terrible that Malone is out for this long, but at least Shaq, Kobe, and Rick Fox are back in the lineup and soon to be 100%. It's better than nothing.
The Lakers will make the playoffs without him and that is what matters at the end of the day. Its just a shame to see such a great player forced out of the game.
