Lakers Shootaround Report: Gasol out, Nash Running, Kobe Talks to Magic

Lakers had shootaround on Thursday morning ahead of Lakers vs Knicks and Pau Gasol was still out but Steve Nash practiced floaters and jumpshots

Thursday morning, the Los Angeles Lakers met at the New York Athletic Club for morning shootaround with Pau Gasol absent before LA take on the Knicks.

Gasol will miss his sixth straight game with tendinitis in both knees. The Lakers are 1-4 since with him sitting out this season.

In Gasol’s absence, the Lakers expect to start Antawn Jamison, sending Jordan Hill back to the bench. Hill only put up 2 points and one block shot in his start against the Cavaliers. Jamison struggled from long range, shooting 1-6 from behind the arc, against Cleveland. However, his 9 points were enough, apparently, to convince Coach Mike D’Antoni.

Coach D’Antoni revealed he’s about half way through with his own personal knee rehab. When asked about Steve Nash, D’Antoni said Nash had done some running, but he had yet to play any two-on-two. Nash did practice floaters, jumpers, and three-pointers after the media was allowed into practice. He finally provided a rare positive visual of recovery for a Lakers team desperate for any positive news.

Kobe Bryant revealed that he spent Wednesday’s day off by talking to Magic Johnson about the Lakers’ struggles. Also, he took his kids to see The Rockettes. Dwight Howard, on the other hand, revealed that he spent his off day by going to see the Apollo Theatre in Harlem and rubbing the Tree of Hope. 

Howard also drew some attention at shootaround by wearing Kobe Bryant’s old Adidas sneakers at practice. Bryant is now with Nike, so Howard’s choice of shoes was either a joke or a passive-aggressive jab at his teammate. Considering the personalities involved, perhaps, it was both.

Also, Metta World Peace did an interview discussing his new music single. Metta, however, did not take the time to put on clothes or get out of bed. Also, his phone rang and room service came to the door during the interview … 

The Los Angeles Lakers take on the New York Knick at Madison Square Garden at 5pm Pacific time.

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