Report: Lakers' Gasol cleared to play
Los Angeles Lakers forward Pau Gasol has been cleared to play and is expected to come off the bench Thursday night against the visiting Miami Heat, according to ESPN Los Angeles.
Gasol has missed the past five games because of a concussion he sustained Jan. 6 against the Denver Nuggets.
He participated in 3-on-3 drills Wednesday.
"I feel better and tomorrow I'll be a go," Gasol said on Wednesday. "I guess I have to ease my way back into it because this is the first day I've actually got some good work done on the court. After a week and a half of inactivity, your body needs a certain amount of time to get back out there and perform at your best."
He could return to the starting lineup by Sunday when the Lakers take on the host Toronto Raptors.
"We're talking about it," Gasol said Wednesday. "We're talking about it with the head coach and the head trainer. I would always like to start and play 40 minutes, but that's probably not the best thing right now."
Gasol is averaging 12.2 points and 8.4 rebounds this season.
