Artest cleared, Gasol sits out

Ron Artest received medical clearance to play tonight against the Houston Rockets. He sat out five games in a row after suffering a concussion in a fall at home Christmas Night. Pau Gasol could not play because of a strained left hamstring suffered before Sunday's victory over the Dallas Mavericks. Lakers coach Phil Jackson said he doubted Gasol could play Wednesday night against the Clippers. He said Gasol's status was "game-to-game."