Pau Gasol a possibility for Thursday against the Miami Heat
Pau Gasol was finally seen on the Lakers’ practice floor Wednesday after missing five games in the wake of a concussion suffered in a game last week.
Coach Mike D’Antoni said the forward/center would go through a more strenuous workout later in the day, followed by additional testing. If he is cleared, Gasol would be available Thursday night when the Lakers host the Miami Heat.
D’Antoni said he wasn’t sure whether he would need to ease the veteran back into the lineup. Earl Clark has started two games in Gasol’s absence, impressing D’Antoni with his energy, athleticism and versatility.
The Lakers have won two straight games but will get a more challenging opponent in the Heat (24-12).
Gasol was injured Jan. 6 against the Denver Nuggets with a JaVale McGee arm to the nose. He’s missed a total of 13 games this season, including eight because of knee tendinitis.
The Lakers are three games behind the eighth-place Portland Trail Blazers in the Western Conference standings.
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Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.
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