Marvin Williams is on his way back, and earlier than expected, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution is reporting.

Williams has been cleared to suit up for Friday's game against the Lakers in Los Angeles, four days before he was slated to return from a fractured finger on his left hand that cost him the first month of the season.

"I'm trying to get ready by Friday," a grinning Williams said after a rigorous pregame workout with Hawks assistant coach David Fizdale. "I'm going to be winded for sure, because there's nothing like basketball shape. It'll take me a week or so to get all the way back to where I want to be. But I'll be there Friday night, which is most important, and I'll be back to normal in no time."