Gasol out with strep throat

Pau Gasol came down with a case of strep throat Monday night and could not play in the Lakers' game Tuesday against the New York Knicks. He arrived at Staples Center at 5:45 p.m., but was sent home by 6:30, team spokesman John Black said.

Lamar Odom replaced Gasol at power forward, his first start in 24 games after moving to a reserve role for the first time in his career.

"I'll do whatever needs to be done, start or come off the bench, cheerlead, coach, sweep the floor," Odom said. "You want me to sweep the floor, I'll sweep the floor. It would be a nice campaign, a Nike campaign. I am versatile.