Derek

Anderson

Anderson is infuriated by the front office questioning his toughness and work ethic. In the past two weeks, Anderson has dealt with migraines, two root canals (with a third scheduled for today), a CT Scan, two nights in a Vancouver hospital to receive intravenous fluids, a discovery of a cyst under his left nostril, and the diagnosis of a sinus infection, losing 10-12 pounds. He had some harsh things to say about his employers, which won’t help his playing situation once he’s past his injuries.

Anderson underwent his third root canal on Friday. He’ll back up Nick Van Exel when he returns.

Antonio Daniels is likely to start in his place.

Cheeks is trying to decide whether to stick with a starting lineup featuring Rasheed Wallace at power forward, Bonzi Wells at small forward and Anderson at shooting guard. Putting Zach Randolph at power forward and bumping Anderson to the bench is an alternative. It’s starting to appear less likely that Anderson will see time at point guard.

Anderson didn’t request a trade, but he is frustrated that he doesn’t seem to be in Cheeks’ plans right now. Of course, he hasn’t been healthy, so he has little to complain about. The Blazers would be willing to part with either Anderson or Bonzi Wells if they received the right offer, but nothing appears imminent. A recent offer from an Eastern Conference team for Wells was turned down.

Anderson is still considered day-to-day. The incident between him and coach Maurice Cheeks on Tuesday had nothing to do with Anderson not attending tonight’s game. Cheeks said that the rift between he and Anderson was mended Thursday.

Anderson said he is targeting Thursday’s game at Minnesota for his return.

Probably just some rust from having spent two months on the IL with a bad back.

He missed his first five shots, and is listed as questionable for Wednesday’s game.

They hope to get him for their $5 million midlevel exception. Lakers fans shouldn’t get too excited, as he’s missed 66 games over the past two seasons with back problems.