Gasol injures finger

Pau: Red alert. That was the headline on the Spanish Website Marca.com, which first reported that Lakers power forward/center Pau Gasol injured his left index finger while practicing with the Spanish national team in Seville. Lakers spokesman John Black said Gasol underwent surgery on his left middle finger. Black said he received news of Gasol’s injury from the 7-footer’s Spain-based agent, Arturo Ortega. Marca.com reported that Gasol must wear a splint on his finger for 20 days, putting his participation in the European Championships in jeopardy. It further reported that Gasol was hurt while trying to block a teammate’s shot and he was taken to a local hospital. Spain is one of the favorites to win the Eurobasket title next month in Poland. Gasol and Spain won the silver medal at the Beijing Olympics last summer, losing to Kobe Bryant and Team USA in the final. Gasol and Bryant then teamed to help the Lakers win the NBA championship in June.