USA/ESP - Gasol knee knock not serious

LOS ANGELES (NBA) - The Los Angeles Lakers are breathing a sigh of relief following an MRI that shows Spain big man Pau Gasol only has a bone bruise and not a serious injury.

Gasol had to come out of Sunday's game against Denver after hurting his right knee but later returned.

Named the MVP of the 2006 FIBA World Championship in Japan and EuroBasket 2009 in Poland after leading Spain to gold medals in each tournament, Gasol didn't practice on Monday but did lift weights.

Even before having an MRI, Gasol said he believed his knee injury was not serious.

"I feel actually a little better than I did last night (Sunday), which is a good sign," Gasol said.

"Obviously I'm not 100% sure, but we'll find out soon enough. Just soreness and discomfort. Not a whole lot of pain.

"Hopefully we'll get news that the structure and the ligaments are good, and it's just a little bit of swelling from the jam and contusion, and in that case I would be able to play (against Utah)."

The Utah Jazz play against the Lakers in Los Angeles on Tuesday night.

Gasol has yet to announce if he will play for Spain this summer at the EuroBasket in Lithuania when they will try to reach the Final and earn a trip to the London Olympics.

He elected not to play at the 2010 FIBA World Championship in Turkey last summer.

The 30-year-old is averaging 18.9 points, 10.2 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game for the Lakers, who are going after a third consecutive NBA title.

FIBA