MADRID (EuroBasket/FIBA Basketball World Cup) - Pau Gasol has announced he will not play at this year's EuroBasket in Slovenia but plans to represent Spain when the country hosts the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

This season, because of injuries and the poor form of his team, the Los Angeles Lakers, was among the most difficult in Gasol's career.

The 32-year-old recently opted to have a FAST Technique procedure on both knees.

He is looking to be fully fit by the start of the next NBA season.

In a statement on his website, paugasol.com, the star said: "To all the basketball fans: In order to avoid future problems, on May 9, I underwent a simple, non-surgical procedure to debride degenerated tissue of the patellar tendons of my knees.

"I won't play in the next European Championship of Slovenia.

"After assessing the period of the rehabilitation, which I have already initiated, with my medical team that I have confidence in, I sadly confirm that I won't play in the next European Championship of Slovenia despite my wish to do so.

"My priority is to recover for next season and to be ready, if I'm asked, for the next challenge with the national team, the World Cup of Spain 2014."

Spain have won the last two EuroBasket titles, captured gold at the 2006 FIBA World Championship and finished runners-up to the United States at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics.

Gasol was a leader on each of those teams.

Without him in 2010 at the FIBA World Championship in Turkey, Spain lost to Serbia in the Quarter-Finals when Milos Teodosic sank a long three-pointer at the death.

Spain coach Juan Antonio Orenga said in a Spanish Basketball Federation (FEB) statement: "Pau's health comes first and we understand his decision. I have been in permanent contact with Pau during the days following his surgery. I hope he recovers as soon as possible.

"We hope to enjoy the best level of Pau next season because this season has been full of misfortune for him. Pau will always have the doors open to the national team."

Since the national side has a spot secure at the FIBA Basketball World Cup as the host nation, Spain do not have to use the EuroBasket as a qualifying tournament for next year's event.

FEB President Jose Luis Saez supports the decision by Gasol, the MVP of the 2006 FIBA World Championship and EuroBasket 2009.

He said: "I value his renewed commitment to the national team, which he has proved throughout the years as have all of his team-mates, with the World Cup in Spain 2014."

Even without Gasol, the Spain squad should be among the most talented in Slovenia.

"The EuroBasket in Slovenia is not going to be easy for anybody and we will arrive there with a great team, as always, working game by game and fighting to remain at the top," said Saez.

FIBA