The Los Angeles Lakers have received fitness boosts as Steve Nash, Steve Blake and Jordan Farmar returned to practice on Thursday.

All three guards are expected to miss the remainder of this week's schedule, but Nash is optimistic that he will be available for selection next week.

"Tomorrow is definitely out, but next week I have extremely high hopes to play," he said, ESPN reports.

Nash has not played since November 10, and he is averaging just 6.7 points, 4.8 assists in six games so far this season.