Wesley Johnson: (Hip) Will Play and Start Sunday

Johnson (hip) will play and start against Portland on Sunday.

Analysis:

Coach Byron Scott openly acknowledged that Johnson would start upon his return to health, and this news is further confirmation of that expectancy. Johnson will be knocking Wayne Ellington out of the starting five in the long term, although Kobe Bryant's propensity to rest may leave Ellington in the starting lineup at times, despite Johnson's return.