Long Layoff Is Ceballos’ Top Concern

The right hand was heavily bandaged and the arm was in a sling, but it was a smiling Cedric Ceballos who arrived here Friday for the start of All-Star game activities, even though the ruptured ligament near the thumb will keep him out of uniform.

“It’s not that disappointing,” the Laker small forward said after undergoing surgery Tuesday that is expected to sideline him for perhaps two months. “I did make it. I really wanted to come back here to Phoenix to play.”

“The two months really hit me. The (All-Star) game was important, but I think the two months is going to be tough for me to try to get back to where I was playing. Fortunately for me, I can keep running, keep exercising and keep myself in shape. I need to work on using my left hand anyway.

“I’m trying to look at the six-week program. They said between six and eight, so I’m hoping for the better. I don’t really want to rush it, but I do want to get back in enough time where we’d have about 10 to 15 games before we can go to the playoffs and really be successful.”