Nuggets center Nene could return to the court against the Lakers on Friday night after missing the team's last two games with a bruised right knee.

"I'd say the pendulum has swung to I think there's a chance he'll play tomorrow," coach George Karl said. "I'm not going to bet on that, but he enjoyed his body today. It seemed like he had a positive feel for what he did."

Nene did some running on Thursday. The team's trainer claims that he is "much improved," and that the center will be evaluated prior to Friday night's contest.