Pau Gasol not expected back before the playoffs

According to Los Angeles Lakers head coach Mike D'Antoni, forward Pau Gasol is not expected to return during the regular season due to a torn plantar fascia in his foot. There is no guarantee that the Lakers will be able to play themselves into the playoffs so there is every chance that Gasol may, in fact, be out for the remainder of the regular season.

The Lakers are currently 2 1/2 games out of a playoff spot with 25 games left to play.