After seeing a neurologist Monday for the sixth time since having a concussion, Lakers forward Pau Gasol still hasn’t received medical clearance to play.
Gasol won’t play when the Lakers (16-21) host the Milwaukee Bucks (19-17) Tuesday at Staples Center. He “probably” will be reexamined tomorrow, according to the team.
Dwight Howard also missed practice in favor of receiving treatment on his right shoulder. But he is expected to play against the Bucks.
The Lakers have gone 1-3 during his absence, though the team’s first three losses also coincided with Dwight Howard remaining sidelined because of a right shoulder injury. Meanwhile, Gasol’s absence has paved the way for Earl Clark to take a surprisingly larger role. He has cracked double digits in the past three games, started in the last two and netted a career-high 22 points and 13 rebounds in the Lakers’ loss last week to the San Antonio Spurs.
Gasol has performed lightly shooting exercises and run on the elliptical since Sunday and attended the Lakers’ win Sunday against Cleveland at Staples Center. But the NBA concussion policy, according to a league official, requires players to pass drills symptom free, including stationary bike, light jogging, running, jumping, agility and team drills with limited contact.
Kobe Bryant suffered a concussion last season in the 2012 NBA All-Star game after Dwyane Wade accidentally elbowed him in the nose. Bryant managed to pass the tests three days after the concussion and didn’t miss any games.
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