Derrick Rose returns vs. Lakers after two-game absence

New York Knicks point guard Derrick Rosescored 25 points in 34 minutes as he returned Sunday night for a 118-112 win over the Los Angeles Lakers after missing two games because of a back ailment.

Rose suffered back spasms during the Knicks' win over the Miami Heat on Tuesday and missed New York's next two games. He went through workouts Saturday and Sunday and said afterward that there was "nothing wrong" with his back.

The Knicks had taken a cautious approach with Rose, who had an MRI on Wednesday night that revealed no structural damage to his back.

Rose had been healthy and productive for the Knicks before the back spasm flare-up Tuesday. In 22 games this season, he has averaged 17.0 points, 4.6 assists and 4.1 rebounds. He has been a driving force behind New York's 14-10 start.

The Knicks likely were cautious because Rose has a long injury history, though not related to his back.

Entering this season, Rose, the 2010-11 NBA MVP, had played just 39 percent of his games in the previous four seasons because of various injuries, including three significant knee ailments.

Rose has credited the Knicks' medical staff for helping him stay healthy thus far in his first season in New York. The staff closely monitors Rose's exertion on a daily basis.

"This is the most information I ever got in my career about my body and how I need to maintain how I'm playing and maintain my strength," Rose told reporters in Los Angeles.

Rose also said it is imperative that he closely monitors all minor injuries because of the high-impact nature of his style of play.

"The way my body is, one little thing can set my body off," Rose said. "It could be a turf toe injury, whatever it is, that could make my body feel totally different."

ESPN senior writer Ramona Shelburne contributed to this report.