The Los Angeles Lakers will take on James Harden and the Houston Rockets on Tuesday night in the first of a three-game road trip. The Lakers will attempt to bounce back from a disappointing loss at home to the Orlando Magic, but will have to do it without Pau Gasol according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin via Twitter:
Pau Gasol will not play Tuesday night against the Rockets because of tendinitis in both knees. Waiting on who the replacement starter is
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) December 4, 2012
The trade rumors surrounding Gasol have been relentless as of late with talk of the veteran power forward not exactly fitting into Mike D’Antoni’s style of offense in Los Angeles. Although the rumors will likely continue up to the trade deadline on Feb. 21, the Lakers haven’t made any indications in terms of making a move before Steve Nash’s return in the coming weeks.
Gasol’s fate may be decided if the Lakers continue to struggle with Nash at the helm. Ryan Anderson of the New Orleans Hornets is reportedly the team’s top trade target in exchange for Gasol if they decide to go that route over the next two months. In place of Gasol, D’Antoni will start Antawn Jamison at power forward according to Mark Medina of the LA Daily News via Twitter:
Mike D’Antoni penciled Antawn Jamison as starter. There should be minutes for Jordan Hill and Robert Sacre too.
— Mark Medina (@MedinaLakersNBA) December 4, 2012
Over the past week or so, many have speculated that Jamison may be the better option as the starter alongside Dwight Howard in the front court. Jamison has started to come into his own as of late and will have an opportunity to prove that he may be the better option with a solid performance in Houston.