Pau Gasol Injury: Updates on Lakers Star's Foot and Return

Updates from Tuesday, Jan. 14

Mike Trudell of Lakers.com has an update on Pau Gasol's injured toe:

Trudell later reported that Gasol will play:

"

Pau Gasol will play tonight.

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) January 15, 2014"

---Original Text---

Los Angeles Lakers forward Pau Gasol injured his left foot during the 123-87 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday, Jan. 10, and will undergo an MRI to determine the extent of the damage, according to the team’s official Twitter account:

Arash Markazi of ESPN.com added:

Gasol has played in 34 games this season, averaging 15.6 points, 9.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists in 30.8 minutes per contest.  

Despite the Lakers currently boasting a 14-23 record that puts them fourth in Pacific Division, Gasol has been one of the few bright spots for the franchise. 

With Kobe Bryant (knee) and Steve Nash (back) out of the lineup with long-term injuries, the Lakers have relied upon the veteran power forward as a workhorse.

Gasol has also been at the center of trade speculation, according to Ben Bolch of the Los Angeles Times, and his strong play of late—he averaged 18.8 points, 12.0 rebounds and 5.2 assists in the Lakers' first five games of 2014—made him an alluring target.

Depending on the severity of this injury, his trade value could be greatly impacted.

The Lakers host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday, Jan. 14, and then pack their bags for a seven-game road trip.

No timetable has been released for Gasol's return.