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.
I think this is a total blessing in disguise. He should rest his knees and not participate in basketball for a while and take a break. By end of training camp, he should be ready and legs and knees in good shape.
Does this mean he's out for the European Championship? I hope so.
This could turn out to be the best thing for the lakers. Finger injuries and surgeries are probly best case scenario surgery wise. He wont tear a knee lig playing with national team and will be well rested for the NBA season.