Howard sat out against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday after aggravating his torn labrum against Phoenix Suns Wednesday. Howard returned to Los Angeles to undergo platelet-rich plasma therapy, but is expected to rejoin the team in Detroit, according to Dave McMenamin of ESPN Los Angeles.
But even though Howard is getting treatment, it’s unknown as to when he’ll be able to take the floor for the 21-26 Lakers.
“He said there was pain in there, so he’ll play when there’s no pain,” said head coach Mike D’Antoni via McMenamim’s report. “I don’t think they know only because you just don’t know when the pain goes away. Now, he said it felt a little bit like the first time (he hurt it), which leads to three games, but I don’t think he knows. I don’t think anybody knows.”
While Howard is out, Gasol—who had been coming off the bench—will be starting. Gasol played very well in 37 minutes for Los Angeles against Minnesota, scoring 22 points and grabbing 12 rebounds.
Before Howard’s injury, however, Gasol’s name was all over the rumor mill. Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today reports that Gasol could be a part of the next big trade in the NBA:
But don’t rule out Pau Gasol. Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak knows how to execute a big deal, and the season-ending back injury to Celtics rookie forward Jared Sullinger makes Boston even more active in trade talks.
While the Lakers may have burned some bridges with Gasol of the last few months, they have to take Howard’s health into consideration before pulling the trigger on any trade.
Even with Howard, Los Angeles does not have a lot of depth down low. Outside of Ho...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
