Lakers' Timofey Mozgov: Returns to practice

Mozgov (groin) returned to practice Wednesday with the Russian national team, Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Analysis:

Mozgov missed two tournament games in Georgia for the Russian squad after suffering a groin strain, but after an MRI cleared him of anything serious and his lingering pain has now subsided. The center, who inked a four-year, $64 million contract with the Lakers in July, is in no danger of missing the start of training camp and should assume a starting role right away.