The Lakers received a bit of good news Monday as forward Pau Gasol and point guard Steve Nash participated in a light, noncontact practice.

Gasol (knee tendinitis) is not officially cleared to play Tuesday night when the Lakers host the Charlotte Bobcats, but he should be able to return from an eight-game absence if he suffers no ill effects from Monday’s workout.

“I’m feeling well. I’m happy with the practice that I did today and how I felt,” Gasol said. “We don’t want to make the decision quite yet today, so we’ll see tomorrow in the morning how I feel and decide then.”

Nash is shooting to play in the Lakers’ Christmas Day game against the New York Knicks, which would mean another two games without the veteran point guard.

via Eric Pincus of the Los Angeles Times