Despite contributing 27 points and five rebounds in 30 minutes, Pau Gasol appeared to injure his ankle in the early stages of the Lakers’ 134-128 loss to the Denver Nuggets.
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According to ESPN Los Angeles’ Dave McMenamin, Gasol was able to stay in for the majority of the game, but opted to get an X-ray as a precautionary measure:
Pau Gasol will receive an X-ray on his L ankle after the game as a precaution
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) March 8, 2014
After the game, the X-rays on Gasol’s left ankle were negative and he plans on playing against the Thunder on Sunday:
X-rays on Pau's L ankle were negative. He plans to play against OKC as long as his ankle doesn't "blow up" between now and Sunday
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) March 8, 2014
Despite the Lakers’ recent struggles, Gasol has continued to perform as he has scored over 20 points in the past five contests. The Lakers struggled mightily when Gasol was forced out of action in early February, winning only two of seven games without the two-time champion.
With the Lakers sitting at the bottom of the Western Conference with an abysmal 21-42 record, there is no need to rush Gasol back until he is fully healed. Gasol finishing the game was a good sign, but only time will tell if he is able to overcome yet another injury.
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