Brand has to adjust timetable for return

A February target for Elton Brand to return from his Achilles’ tendon injury would be nice and dandy, but . . .

“The February timetable, that was the minimum. Six months,” Brand said Sunday, fresh off his latest checkup.

“But basketball-wise and getting timing and stuff back, [trainer] Jasen Powell is like ‘E, stop saying February, OK?’ Because that’s pushing it, but that would be great if you can.’

“I’m not sure of an exact date. But I’m going to try and get back as soon as I’m healthy and ready.”

Brand, who has averaged 20.3 points and 10.2 rebounds in his career, was cleared at his checkup to increase his cardiovascular activities and to do some light shooting.

He will also start using a treadmill designed with NASA technology that will reduce body weight and the overall stress on the heel.

Also an encouraging sign, Brand said, is the continued evolution of center Chris Kaman’s all-around game.

Kaman is playing at an All-Star-caliber level and is averaging 18.6 points and 13.9 rebounds, both career highs.

Although some quality post players have trouble playing together, Brand said he and Kaman are familiar enough with each other and each brings a different game.

“Without a doubt,” Brand said. “Two years ago, when we really played well and had a great playoff run, we were a top team in blocks, top in rebounds and field-goal percentage.

“We were high in all those stats and that was because of myself and him -- a lot of it. And now he’s elevated that even more. I definitely see us being a tough post tandem.”

And even if the Clippers are out of the playoff hunt, Brand said he would push himself to return to the court.

“If we are a bunch of games back, which I don’t think we’ll be, it’s definitely worth it to me still,” he said.

“I owe it to myself, because I love to play. I owe it to my teammates if I can play to play. And the fans. So, I wouldn’t sit out if we were losing games.”

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The injury-riddled Clippers took it to new heights against the Lakers on Sunday.

Tim Thomas, who suffered a sprained right ankle against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday, did not play. In his place, Paul Davis made his first career start and finished with 10 points on five-for-seven shooting.

Quinton Ross said his sore lower back limits him more on defense than offense, not a good thing when assigned to guard Kobe Bryant.

Corey Maggette twisted an ankle and his effectiveness was limited in the first half.

Cuttino Mobley’s minutes were cut because of an upset stomach.

And Sam Cassell sat out his 10th game because of a strained left calf.

“It’s just the luck of the draw for us,” Coach Mike Dunleavy said. “We haven’t been healthy, but it’s an opportunity for other guys to come in and show something and we just haven’t been consistent enough there.”

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jonathan.abrams@latimes.com