Pau Gasol expected to miss 6-8 weeks from foot injury

BOSTON — The Lakers have penciled Pau Gasol out for at least six to eight weeks after tearing the plantar fascia in his right foot.

The Lakers provided that timetable after Gasol was examined Thursday in Los Angeles by team doctor Steve Lombardo and foot specialist Dr. Kenneth Jung. Should the Lakers’ timetable hold up, Gasol would miss a minimum of 20-26 games, if not more. It’s possible Gasol would only return should the Lakers (23-26) make the playoffs.

Gasol said he felt a “pop” after blocking Brook Lopez’s shot in the final minutes of the Lakers’ win Tuesday over the Brooklyn Nets. But he had nursed plantar fasciitis in his right foot for most of the season.

An MRI taken in Boston on Wednesday determined Gasol had a tear, but he flew back to Los Angeles Thursday for a second examination.

Gasol has experienced a frustrating season on all accounts.

He’s missed 13 games because of varying injuries, including knee tendinitis (10), a concussion (three) and laboring with plantar fasciitis in his right foot. Gasol has averaged a career-low 13.4 points on 45.3 percent shooting and eight rebounds per game. He’s faced a diminished role because of Mike D’Antoni’s preference for him to play as a facilitator outside of the post. And Gasol has come off the bench for seven games in favor of Earl Clark because his versatility and energy fits D’Antoni’s desire to have stretch forwards in his offense.

With Gasol’s absence, it’s likely the D’Antoni will split time at power forward using Clark, Metta World Peace and Antawn Jamison.

Follow L.A. Daily News Lakers beat writer Mark Medina on Twitter. E-mail him at mark.medina@dailynews.com