UCLA guard on the mend

Staff Writer

Jan. 7, 2009 11 PM PT

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Malcolm Lee increased his workload to more than an hour in practice today, reporting no undue pain in the left knee he hurt late last month.

The freshman guard, who first tested the knee Tuesday, was averaging 5.1 points and 1.7 rebounds coming off the bench this season. An MRI had failed to detect any serious damage and doctors suspected an injury to the ‘fat pad’ in his knee.

Though UCLA Coach Ben Howland said Lee was out of shape from spending two weeks on the sideline, he is considered probable for Sunday’s game at USC.

-- David Wharton

Sports Now

David Wharton

David Wharton has filled an array of roles – covering the courts, entertainment, sports and the second Persian Gulf War – since starting as a Los Angeles Times intern in 1982. His work has been honored by organizations such as the Society for Features Journalism and Associated Press Sports Editors and has been anthologized in “Best American Sports Writing.” He has also been nominated for an Emmy and has written two books, including “Conquest,” an inside look at USC football during the Pete Carroll era.

UCLA guard on the mend

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