Injuries have been a major problem for the Los Angeles Lakers once again this season with players going down on almost a nightly basis. Xavier Henry was the latest to suffer an injury, straining his right knee in the loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, but fortunately the team will get a big piece to the puzzle back on the floor on Tuesday with Pau Gasol returning according to Lakers Nation reporter Serena Winters:
Pau Gasol WILL play tomorrow.
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) December 30, 2013
Gasol missed the last two games with an upper respiratory infection. It was uncertain how much time the veteran would miss as a result of the persistent respiratory problem, but will finally return against the worst team in the NBA in the Milwaukee Bucks.
With the Lakers losing five in a row and incredibly banged up, Gasol returning on New Year’s Eve is a relief for head coach Mike D’Antoni who simply can’t pinpoint the problem with this team. Although the injuries have been a serious hinderance for the Lakers, the team has been really hot and cold as of late. The minute this team seems to put it together, another injury occurs or they fall apart the following game.
At this point in time, Kobe Bryant, Steve Blake and Steve Nash will still be out an extended period. Henry could be added to that list later today, depending on the results of his MRI, which will be released later today.
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Mike D’Antoni Says Pau Gasol Will Play Tuesday, Acknowledges Criticisms Of Pau Gasol