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Lakers’ Pau Gasol reexamined but not cleared for concussion

Pau Gasol falls to the floor after he is smacked in the nose by the Nuggets' JaVale McGee late in the fourth quarter of the Lakers' loss to Denver, 112-105.
(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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The Lakers announced that Pau Gasol, who suffered a concussion Sunday in a loss to the Denver Nuggets, was reexamined Tuesday by neurologist Dr. Vern Williams.

Gasol was “not cleared to resume playing basketball,” and will miss -- as expected -- the Lakers’ visits to the Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs on back-to-back nights.

Williams will evaluate Gasol again Thursday, ahead of the Lakers’ Friday night game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Staples Center.

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The NBA has instituted a more rigorous concussion policy to help protect players. Until Gasol reaches his individual neurological baseline, set earlier in the season, he won’t be cleared to play.

Recovering from a concussion can take days, weeks or in rare, extreme cases even months.

The Lakers also are without Dwight Howard (torn labrum), Jordan Hill (hip) and Steve Blake (abdominal surgery).

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Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.

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