Pau Gasol has knee procedure, to receive stem cell injections

The Lakers announced that power forward Pau Gasol received a successful “FAST technique” procedure on both knees Thursday morning.

The procedure, whose name stands for Focused Aspiration of Scar Tissue, was performed by Dr. Steve Yoon of the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic. It involved inserting a probe into Gasol’s knees that directed ultrasound waves to remove degenerated tissue in his patellar tendons nonsurgically, the team said.

The 12-year veteran will also “receive autologous stem cell injections” next week to help stimulate the regeneration of tissue in his knees.

While he’s expected to make a full recovery, Gasol won’t return to basketball-related activities for approximately 12 weeks.

Gasol struggled early in the year with knee pain, missing eight games in early December. He later missed five games in March with a concussion as well as 20 others in February and March with a foot injury. Gasol acknowledged throughout the season that he struggled with aching knees.

Through 49 regular-season games, Gasol averaged 13.7 points, 8.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists. Those numbers climbed slightly in the playoffs to 14.0, 11.5 and 6.5, respectively.

Gasol is under contract for one more season at $19.3 million.

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Pau Gasol to undergo ‘FAST Technique’ procedure on knees Thursday

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