New Orleans, LA (My Sportsbook) - New Orleans Hornets point guard Baron Davis returned to practice and is expected to play in Wednesday's game against the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers.

Davis has been out of action for the last six games with back spasms. He was forced to leave an 89-86 loss to the Indiana Pacers on December 31 because of a problem related to a herniated disk from the end of the 2001-02 campaign.

The 23-year-old Davis has been hampered by back problems all season. He missed the first game of his career on December 1 against Boston because of his ailing back. Missing that game ended a streak of 264 games played.

Davis is currently averaging 17.6 points and seven assists per game.

During the past summer he signed a six-year, $84 million contract extension, which goes into effect next season.

Meanwhile, reserve guard Courtney Alexander is expected to miss up to two weeks with a groin injury. He suffered the injury in Friday's 101-99 overtime loss to the Detroit Pistons.

Alexander will replace guard Bryce Drew on the injured list when Drew is eligible to come off. Drew has an injured left foot.