Gasol out at least six weeks

LOS ANGELES–Los Angeles Lakers all-star forward Pau Gasol, who suffered a tear on the bottom of his right foot, will be out at least six weeks, the National Basketball Association team said Thursday.

Gasol flew back to Los Angeles, where he was examined on Thursday by team doctors and a foot specialist who diagnosed him with a torn plantar fascia — the tissue under the arch of the foot.

“Gasol is expected to be out a minimum of 6-8 weeks,” Lakers spokesman John Black said in a statement.

Gasol did not address the injury directly but did write on his Twitter site that he would be watching the Lakers game Thursday night against the Boston Celtics.

“I hope we get ourselves a great win in Boston,” Gasol wrote.

Gasol hurt his right foot with 4:21 to play against the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday. He was defending Brook Lopez when the two collided.

The Lakers did not say whether Gasol has opted for rehab over surgery, but if he does need surgery doctors said he could be out for up to three months.

In 36 games this season, Gasol is averaging 13.4 points, eight rebounds and 3.6 assists.