ESPN NBA

SEATTLE -- Rashard Lewis doesn't have to play one-handed pickup games anymore.

	Lewis

The Seattle forward has been cleared by doctors to start shooting again with his injured right hand, which has sidelined the former All-Star since late December.

Lewis can't participate in contract drills yet, but he was out shooting for an extended period before the SuperSonics' game Friday night against Minnesota. Although he was given the OK to start shooting just this week, Lewis hopes to return either right before or right after the All-Star break.

"I still got a lot of stiffness in it and a little sore, and I don't have the fully range of motion in my hand yet," Lewis said.

Lewis was injured in the first minute of Seattle's 103-95 loss to Dallas on Dec. 20, straining the tendon sheath on the back of his right hand. He has continued to do cardiovascular work and occasionally would take on teammates -- mostly young center Johan Petro -- playing pickup games with just his left hand.

Lewis said he isn't feeling discomfort with shorter shots, but when he steps out beyond the 3-point line, there is some pain.

"Obviously you have to push it more, use a little more strength and I can feel a little sting in my hand when I shoot it from far out," Lewis said.

Lewis was averaging 21.9 points and 6.8 rebounds when he was injured. The Sonics haven't had Lewis and leading scorer Ray Allen in the lineup together since Dec. 2, part of the reason Seattle started Friday night 10 games under .500.

Lewis' next doctor visit is Feb. 8, at which time he'll learn if he might be able to play Feb. 14 at home against Phoenix, or if his return will be after the Feb. 18 All-Star Game. Lewis said when he returns, he will most likely wear a glove with padding on the back to alleviate any fear of re-injury when the hand is hit.

"Once I get over the hump of it getting hit a couple of times and knowing it's not going to hurt then I'll go without the glove," Lewis said.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press