Los Angeles Lakers’ Pau Gasol to undergo knee procedure

Los Angeles Lakers forward and occasional center, Pau Gasol, will undergo a procedure to relieve the tendonosis he’s been suffering from in both of his knees Thursday morning.

Via the Lakers press release:

"Lakers forward Pau Gasol, who has been suffering from tendonosis in both knees, will undergo a FAST Technique procedure tomorrow. The procedure uses a probe inserted into the knee which directs ultrasonic energy to eliminate scar tissue without damaging healthy tissue. The procedure will be performed by Dr. Steven Yoon of the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Group.A timeline for Gasol’s recovery will be issued at the conclusion of the procedure."

The procedure Gasol would undergo will use ultrasonic energy to find and destroy to scar tissue while the healthy tissue is unharmed. Once the procedure is complete, a time for his recovery will be announced.

Last season, Gasol missed 33 games because of the injury. On top of that, Gasol had to deal with concussions, plantar faciitis and sore knee problems.

With a bad season in the books for the Lakers, the team has questions to answer about their plan moving forward. It’s unclear whether Gasol returns or not, but this procedure would most likely answer some questions. As Gasol turns 33 next year, Gasol is scheduled to earn approximately $20 million. The Lakers could consider amnestying him to save some money and use it towards their financial burden or they can get key players more suitable to Mike D’Antoni system but that idea seems ridiculous. Most of it however depends on whether or not free agent center, Dwight Howard, resigns with the Lakers or not. Whether or not this procedure goes good or not may have impact on his future. At 33-years-old and chronic knee problems, it’ll make Gasol harder to trade. A perfect example would be former Lakers center, Andrew Bynum.