Pau Gasol confirms he’s out for European Championship in Slovenia
Lakers forward-center Pau Gasol confirmed Tuesday that he will sit out September’s European Championship in Slovenia.
Gasol, a star with Spain’s national team, is recovering from a knee procedure that should have him sidelined for at least another 11 weeks.
“In order to avoid future problems, on May 9 I underwent a simple procedure to debride degenerated tissue of the patellar tendons of my knees non-surgically,†Gasol wrote on his website.
“My priority is to recover myself thinking [of] next season [with the Lakers],†he continued. “And to be ready, if I’m asked to, for the next challenge with the national team, the World Cup of Spain 2014.â€
Gasol is heading into the final year of his Lakers contract that will play him $19.3 million next season.
The Lakers were swept out of the playoffs by the San Antonio Spurs after a 45-37 season. Gasol missed 33 games with a variety of health issues (knees, foot and concussion).
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Email Eric Pincus at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.
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