Pau Gasol got an excused absence from practice today. The team’s medical staff sent Gasol home after he complained of sinus trouble. The Lakers aren’t scheduled to practice Thursday, but they hope Gasol will rejoin them for Friday’s workout. The team plans to increase the intensity of its practices from Friday through Sunday. Game 1 of the Western Conference finals isn’t until Monday night at Staples Center, so there’s plenty of down time.