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Pau Gasol could return as early as next week after being considered day-to-day as he deals with tendinitis in both of his knees.
The Los Angeles Lakers' big man could only sit and watch as his team fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night, 114-108. ESPN's Doris Burke caught up with him during the game. He called it "a possibility" that he could return as early as Sunday's game against the Utah Jazz at Staples Center. After the one-game home stand, L.A. will travel to Cleveland to begin a four-game road trip that will last through Dec. 16.
Gasol has dealt with soreness in both knees throughout the season. The Spaniard is having the worst statistical season of his NBA career, posting averages of 12.6 points per game and a career-low 42 percent field goal percentage. Kobe Bryant has been publicly critical of Gasol's play, and trade rumors continue to surround Gasol and the team as the Lakers continue to look for answers.
The Lakers are 9-11 in 2012-13, and just 2-6 on the road. They are 1-2 in the three games Gasol has missed.