MINNEAPOLIS (AP) Karl Malone was activated from the injured list Friday, putting each of the Los Angeles Lakers' top four players in uniform for the first time since Dec. 21.

That's when Malone, 40, sprained his right knee in a game against Phoenix. After sitting out only 10 games over his first 18 seasons, Malone has missed 40 games this season _ 39 while recovering from the knee injury.

Rookie forward Brian Cook (back spasms) was placed on the injured list to make room for Malone.

Bringing Malone back for Friday night's game at Minnesota, the Midwest Division leader, was important to Lakers coach Phil Jackson.

``Minnesota is a very likely playoff opponent, and we want him to have as many chances as possible,'' Jackson said before the game, won 96-86 by the Timberwolves.

Malone finished with 13 points on 5-for-6 shooting in 21 minutes.

``I'm encouraged, without a doubt,'' he said afterward.

After signing Malone and point guard Gary Payton as free agents last summer to play alongside perennial All-Stars Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant, the Lakers were favored to return to the finals. But injuries have kept them from playing at full strength, and the foursome of Malone, Payton, O'Neal and Bryant played together in just 21 games.

``We hope he has a major influence,'' Jackson said. ``There's no reason he shouldn't.''

The Lakers, who also got Bryant back Wednesday from a sprained right shoulder _ much earlier than expected, have won 13 of their last 17 games.

``It's my job to pick it up,'' Malone said. ``I don't think they'll have to wait on me to do anything. I'm just excited to be back.''