Pau Gasol begins running on grass

Lakers forward Pau Gasol, at the Los Angeles Boys & Girls Club earlier this summer, made a step in his knee rehab by receiving clearance to run on grass. (Andy Holzman/Staff Photographer)

Lakers forward Pau Gasol, at the Los Angeles Boys & Girls Club earlier this summer, made a step in his knee rehab by receiving clearance to run on grass. (Andy Holzman/Staff Photographer)

Pau Gasol has started running yet, but it’s not on the hardwood. In what marks a gradual approach toward rehabbing his knees, Gasol spent part of Thursday running instead on grass.



Gasol underwent a procedure May. 9 on both of his knees, which suffered last season from both tendonitis and tendonosis. He has spent recent weeks on exercise bikes, in pools and in the weight room. But should Gasol make progress running on grass, he will increase his activity.

Gasol missed 33 games last season because of various ailments, including his knees, plantar fascia in his right foot and a concussion. But he’s expected to be fully healthy to play in the Lakers’ season opener Oct. 29 at Staples Center against the Clippers.

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