With the Lakers down almost 30 points to the Mavericks in the third quarter on Sunday night, Lamar Odom gave his teammates some good news.

With rehab going well, the Los Angeles forward said he is hoping to return from a shoulder injury on Thursday at Denver. Odom tore the labrum in his left shoulder in a game against Sacramento on March 2. He had surgery on the same shoulder two years ago and realizes he probably needs surgery again after this season.

"The strength has come back a lot faster than last time," Odom told ESPN's Jim Gray courtside.

Odom was asked if he risked further injury by playing.

"Maybe, but I'm going to roll the dice a little bit," Odom said. "As long as it's strong, I think I'll be all right."