The Los Angeles Lakers rollercoaster season just hit anther low. After the team earned a statement win against Western Conference rivals Dallas Mavericks, they got bad news regarding Pau Gasol. Currently suffering from a torn plantar fascia in his right foot, it now seems unlikely he will return for the remainder of the season and possibly the playoffs.
Head coach Mike D'Antoni said that when Gasol is ready to return, the team will know their offseason fate.
"By the time he gets back, we'll be in or out. His impact will be in the playoffs if we get there," D'Antoni said.
Gasol has been out for three weeks now nursing the torn plantar fascia. He suffered the injury in the final minute of the Lakers' win on Feb. 5 against the Brooklyn Nets. Gasol was chasing down a shot and landed awkwardly on his foot. When he stood up, he was unable to run down the court, prompting a trip to the locker room and an MRI on the injured foot. He was originally expected to miss at least four to six weeks, but now it looks as though recovery will take much longer. He is hoping to be able to begin walking without crutches soon.
The injury news comes as the Lakers currently sit two games out from the Houston Rockets for the eight playoff spot in the Wester Conference. With 25 games left in the season, the team has only a short amount of time to make one final push. Steve Nash says players does not have time to dwell on Gasol's injury.
"I don't think anyone on this team is counting the days for Pau to come back because we don't have time. Although we'd welcome him back this instance, we have to move on and try to win games without him," Nash said.
If the Lakers do not make the playoffs this season, it could be the last time Gasol is seen wearing a Los Angeles jersey. His name has come up numerous times in trade rumors. Currently earning $19.3 million on an expiring contract that ends next season, the Lakers could use the injury as an excuse to trade Gasol off and younger players to the lineup.
