For Chris Mihm, the season begins with renewed hopes of a healthy campaign.  Unfortunately, Mihm's been down this road many times since a devastating, multiple-surgery-requiring 2006 ankle injury, one that's prevented him from stringing together a sizable stretch of games.  But Mihm was able to get some running in during the tail end of the year, perhaps an indication of a potential light at the end of the tunnel.  Granted, it was a light more rusty than luminous (particularly during a brutal minute Finals stint), but for Mihm, getting through it without further injury hopefully means that the pain-free state he's experiencing now is here to stay.  He's confident with those odds (his workouts have included putting the ankle/foot in positions previously too excruciating over the last two and a half years) but is fully aware that the proof is in the pudding.  "I've got to prove to our coaching staff, our management and our fans that I can stay healthy and play this season," he said.

Should that be the case, the presence of Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol means that Mihm's role is likely to be more limited than earlier in his Lakers campaign (assuming he's even part of the rotation).  For his part, Mihm has no delusions over the long odds of a starting role, and he's cool with it.  "I'm excited to be back in here and provide whatever spark, whatever role I can," he said. "If it's 10-15 minutes a game, coming in either at the four or five position, providing a defensive presence, rebounding and some strength down low. I'm nine years into (my career) now. I want to be out there. I want to play, but my ego can handle not starting.  I'm excited to be a part of this team and I want to win a championship with this team more than anything."

Chris Mihm: Download chris_mihm_media_day_9.28.08.mp3

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