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.
Pau Gasol (concussion) is out for tonight’s game vs OKC. He was re-examined by Dr. Williams today but was not cleared to play.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) January 11, 2013
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.
Metta World Peace suffered a contusion to his groin the other night, but will start vs OKC. May guard Durant less than usual, though.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) January 11, 2013
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