Today it was learned that Pau Gasol is still dealing with an upper respiratory infection and will not travel with the team to Utah, according to Serena Winters.
Talked to Pau Gasol on my way in to Lakers practice, says he's still not feeling well. That respiratory infection still lingering.
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) December 26, 2013
Pau is not traveling with the team and not expected to play tomorrow. Respiratory infection, per lakers PR.
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) December 26, 2013
Pau Gasol classified as day-to-day…
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) December 26, 2013
Gasol sat out of the Lakers loss to the Golden State Warriors in Oakland, and it has been something that Gasol has been bothered by for most of the season. Gasol was dealing with a respiratory infection toward the end of the pre-season and it was something that was still bothering him in mid-November. The illness reared its ugly head last week before the game against the Warriors and has lingered since.
The Lakers recently got Jordan Farmar back in the fold for their Christmas Day game against the Miami Heat, but still continue to struggle without the team at full strength.
There still isn’t any timetable for the return of Steve Nash. Kobe Bryant will have to sit out at least another five weeks while Steve Blake will likely be out for another month. There is no timetable for when Gasol will be able to re-join the team.
After Friday’s game in Utah, the Lakers will have a four-game home stretch in which they’ll surely hope that Gasol will be ready to play in. In the mean time, Jordan Hill, Chris Kaman, Shawne Williams, Robert Sacre and now Ryan Kelly will handle the front court duties while Gasol recovers.
Health has been an issue for the Lakers for the past two seasons as the issues continue to pile up.
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