Shootaround Report: Gasol Out, World Peace Suffers Groin Injury

The Lakers will continue to play without their bigs in the line-up. With Dwight Howard and Jordan Hill still sidelined, there was hope that after Pau Gasol was re-examined this morning, he might be able to return to the starting squad. Unfortunately, according to Lakers reporter Mike Trudell, Gasol was not cleared to play basketball.

More bad news for the Lakers: Trudell also reported that Metta World Peace suffered a groin injury during the Lakers loss to the San Antonio Spurs. He is still listed to start, although his minutes are likely to be reduced, and Earl Clark will be expected to guard Kevin Durant.

Earl Clark, who had 22 points and 13 rebounds in his break out game against the San Antonio Spurs Wednesday night will have another chance to shine in tonight’s matchup against the 2nd ranked team in the West, the Oklahoma City Thunder. In an interview with ESPN radio this morning, Earl Clark talked about making it tough for Kevin Durant to score on every basket.

“I’m gunna be on Kevin Durant tonight, which is an all star great player and I’m just gunna try to make it tough for him.”

Also, expect to see Kobe Bryant guarding the much younger Russel Westbrook. The Lakers have lost five of their past eight games against Oklahoma City, and currently find themselves 0-6 against the top four teams in the west. The purple and gold will be hoping for that Earl Clark spark once again tonight.

VIDEO: Shootaround Report – Gasol Out, Metta Groin Injury

httpvhd://youtu.be/8-IC35YF66k

You May Also Like

Kobe Bryant: D’Angelo Russell’s Desire To Learn Sets Him Apart

The Los Angeles Lakers made a bold decision in the 2015 NBA Draft to go with D’Angelo Russell over Jahlil Okafor with the second overall pick…

Phil Jackson Leaning Toward Taking Front Office Position With Knicks

[new_royalslider id=”146″] After a few years away from the NBA, it appears…

Lakers News: Kyle Kuzma Discusses Elgin Baylor’s Legacy

The Los Angeles Lakers have endured a rough year as in addition to on-court troubles that led to a first-round exit…

Warriors’ Draymond Green Credits Julius Randle For Accepting Bench Role, Bringing ‘Life’ To Lakers

Julius Randle drew early comparisons to Draymond Green, which only intensified when former Golden State Warriors…