Pau Gasol dealing with groin injury, unsure of availability Friday
When the second half started on Tuesday night in the Lakers’ 104-92 loss to the Indiana Pacers, Pau Gasol was conspicuously absent.
Reserve Robert Sacre started the third quarter at center, playing almost two minutes before Gasol checked in to replace him.
What was the issue?
“My groin,” said Gasol after the game. “It’s been bothering me a little bit, but tonight it started bothering me from the beginning. I couldn’t do anything really explosively.”
The Lakers center/forward finished the game with 21 points and 13 rebounds, playing just under 36 minutes.
Gasol said he wasn’t entirely sure he’ll play on Friday when the Lakers host the Charlotte Bobcats.
“I don’t know,” he said. “We’ll see how it feels tomorrow.”
The Lakers have a day off Wednesday to rest and rehab. The team is to reconvene for practice on Thursday.
Injuries have decimated the Lakers all season. On Tuesday, the team announced that Kobe Bryant needs at least an additional three weeks to recover from a knee injury.
“I know it’s been a rough stretch for him,” Gasol said. “I just hope that he heals well. He can come back when he’s ready.”
ALSO:
Lakers fade in second half of 104-92 loss to Pacers
Kobe Bryant says he’s ‘down’ about missing three more weeks
Nearing comeback attempt, Steve Nash tweaks back, could play Friday
Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.
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