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He said that his foot was a little sore afterward, but he expected it to be the case. Kaman knows his minutes will be limited for a spell and that they will gradually increase.

"I thought he was good defensively," Coach Vinny Del Negro said. "He can always shoot the ball, but I thought his defense was good. Did a nice job for us. It gives you a big boost."

Said Baron Davis: "I love playing with Chris. He's a huge threat out there when he's out there on the floor because of the way he shoots the ball. He pretty much came out there on fire. For him, the good thing about him being out, he has a different mentality and a different mind-set. He's very vocal and that's what we need."

Del Negro said that shooting guard Eric Gordon, who has been out because of an injured right wrist, would be re-evaluated by doctors Monday. Craig Smith has been cleared to resume practicing and will do so after the All-Star break.

Lisa Dillman, The Fabulous Forum/LA Times

Chris Kaman returns from injury

Chris Kaman had planned on waiting until the end of the month, maybe even early March, to return from an ankle injury that has gutted much of his season.

But with the Los Angeles Clippers' eight-game road trip spiraling down the drain at an alarming rate after consecutive losses to the Cavaliers, Raptors and Bucks, he decided to make a surprise appearance in Wednesday's game against the Timberwolves.

The timing was odd, and immediately led some to wonder whether Kaman was being showcased for a trade.

Clippers general manager Neil Olshey said the decision was more about the team's wanting to end its eight-game road trip on a high note and knowing that Kaman would have the entire All-Star break to recuperate.

With four games in five nights after the All-Star break, the Clippers wanted to give Kaman some rest over the long weekend before increasing his time.

"I've got to do whatever's best for myself and also what's best for the team," Kaman said. "I've got to make sure my career stays in good position, so I've got to make sure the ankle is healthy."

Coach Vinny Del Negro also said the team hopes to have scoring leader Eric Gordon back next week after the break. He sprained his right wrist when he fell Jan. 22 against Golden State.

"Let's find out exactly what kind of team we have when we get healthy in a week or so," Del Negro said. "I'm looking forward to the other half."

Ramona Shelburne, ESPN Los Angeles

madmaxmedia wrote:AWESOME- LET'S TRADE HIM!!!!

Just kidding, glad to see him back on the floor.