UPDATE: Dampier Tells DB.com: 'I'm Hoping, But ...'

Mavs Center Says He'll Test Knee To See If He Can Go Vs. Lakers

Mike Fisher -- DB.com

    Moments after Mavs coach Rick Carlisle announced to the media that "I'm expecting Damp to play,'' I chased down Dampier himself.

   And "hopeful'' is about the best he could do.

   "We'll see how it feels,'' said the Mavs center, who is struggling with a balky knee. "I might just sit and watch the fellas ... Or maybe it will be good to go. I really won't know until I get out there.''

   Given that the Damp-less Mavs were victimized the last time these teams played by LA center Andrew Bynum, and given the fact that homecoming Eduardo Najera is a semi-healthy scratch ("He could play,'' Carlisle said, "but we're going to give it some time'') ... it's clear the Mavs are counting on Dampier to play.

    "I'm hoping,'' Dampier said, "it'll work out fine.''