News came out on November 26 that the Lakers forward has been playing through tendinitis in both knees (per ESPN.com) and that has affected his overall performance.
This comes at a very unfortunate time, considering Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash and Dwight Howard are all suffering from injuries as well.
That would be all the superstars in one single team nursing injuries at the beginning of the season. Combine that with a 7-7 start to the season and not much in Hollywood is looking too rosy at the moment.
Of course, it's only 14 games, and when the stars do finally get healthy, the Lakers will be a force to be reckoned with in the playoffs (assuming they make it).
But there are immediate repercussions to the Gasol injury.
Lingering Effects Can Affect Playoff Picture
Fans that have been wondering about Gasol's production now have their answer.
Lakers fans are so used to their team making the playoffs, but if this team isn't careful, it will be in deep trouble.
Let's pencil in the Spurs, Thunder, Nuggets, Grizzlies and Clippers into playoff spots. That leaves the Lakers, Jazz, Timberwolves, Warriors and Mavericks all battling it out for three spots.
All of the above teams are also battling injuries. The Lakers are still the Lakers and have Kobe, but if Nash stays out and Dwight doesn't get better, this team could struggle.
Even if the Lakers do make the playoffs, they'll most likely play either the Thunder or Grizzlies instead of the Nuggets, with whom they present matchup problems.
This Gasol injury has the potential to affect the Lakers' playoffs and finals chances.
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Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
