January 31, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Pau Gasol (16) shoots a basket against the defense of Charlotte Bobcats center Al Jefferson (25) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Originally, it was expected that Pau Gasol would only miss one week. At least, that’s how the Los Angeles Lakers made it seem. Originally.
According to the most recent timetable, given by the Lakers, Gasol will miss at least two weeks and won’t return until after the NBA All-Star break. The earliest he may return is looking like Feb. 19 — or one day before the NBA Trade Deadline.
However, the Lakers haven’t set an official date on when they will re-evaluate Gasol.
You have to wonder how this latest update impacts the Phoenix Suns and Lakers trade talks regarding Gasol. After all, the Suns have said recently that they would want to see how Gasol rebounds from his injury before they would officially trade for him.
With the earliest return looking like Feb. 19, it’ll be very unlikely that the Suns will get to see Gasol play before the deadline.
Perhaps the Suns will have to blindly trade for Gasol if they really want him. Something tells me that this will linger up until deadline day.