Lakers' Pau Gasol likely won't play on Friday in Utah

Los Angeles Lakers big man Pau Gasol will not travel with his teammates to Utah on Thursday as a result of an upper respiratory infection. He met with an ear, nose and throat specialist earlier in the day and did not participate in practice with the team, via ESPN LA's Dave McMenamin. Gasol is officially listed as day-to-day, but there would have to be significant improvement for him to be able to suit up against the Jazz on Friday:

Pau is not flying with the team to Utah on Thursday but his is being classified as day to day, so he could play Friday if he improves

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) December 26, 2013

Gasol missed Los Angeles' game against the Golden State Warriors on Saturday and the Lakers lost, 102-83. He gave it a go against the Phoenix Suns on Monday and the Miami Heat on Christmas Day, contributing 13 points and 13 rebounds in 29 minutes against the two-time defending champs.

When Gasol sat out against the Warriors, Chris Kaman and Jordan Hill started in the frontcourt. Shawne Williams has started at power forward over Hill in the last couple of games.

Gasol is averaging 14.7 points, 9.4 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 30 minutes per game this season.

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