We can now turn "expected" into "official", as Mike D'Antoni has stated that Pau Gasol will in fact start for the Los Angeles Lakers tonight as they take on the Charlotte Bobcats. This is coming from Lakers reporter Mike Trudell's Twitter feed as the Lakers morning shoot-around has just begun.

Mike D'Antoni says @paugasol will start tonight. He responded well to practice yesterday. LAL were 3-5 w/out Gasol.

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) December 18, 2012

Even better news? Pau Gasol is feeling great and "explosive". Yes, explosive Pau. Of note, Trudell also reveals that Gasol will have no restrictions on his playing time.

There are no restrictions for @paugasol tonight. He said he's feeling good, has the explosion he lacked early in season back.

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) December 18, 2012

This is great news across the board as Pau looked as if he was trying to run through quicksand at times prior to shutting it down to rid his knees of tendinitis. All eyes will certainly be on how Pau performs tonight in Charlotte to see if a rested and tendinitis-free Pau is going to help mold this team. Happy to say, no more updates on this one.