Lakers May Get to Welcome Sampson

HOUSTON —  The Lakers, who played--and won--without Kareem Abdul-Jabbar the last time they were in Houston, may become the first NBA team to see Ralph Sampson play since his knee surgery when they meet the Rockets at the Summit tonight.

Sampson was in uniform Thursday night for the first time since undergoing arthroscopic surgery for torn cartilage in his left knee Feb. 5. Sampson didn’t play, but Rocket Coach Bill Fitch expects him back soon. And after practice Friday, the team said he’ll be available for spot duty.

“He’s anxious to go,” Fitch said. “Once he says ‘Yeah, give me a shot,’ I’ll give him one.”

Abdul-Jabbar was out of the lineup with an eye irritation on Dec. 21, but Magic Johnson had 38 points, 16 assists and 8 rebounds in a 103-96 win. With Abdul-Jabbar back in the lineup five nights later, the Lakers beat the Rockets, 134-111, at the Forum.