Pau Gasol confirms he’s out for European Championship in Slovenia

Lakers forward-center Pau Gasol confirmed Tuesday that he will sit out September’s European Championship in Slovenia.

Gasol, a star with Spain’s national team, is recovering from a knee procedure that should have him sidelined for at least another 11 weeks.

“In order to avoid future problems, on May 9 I underwent a simple procedure to debride degenerated tissue of the patellar tendons of my knees non-surgically,” Gasol wrote on his website.

“My priority is to recover myself thinking [of] next season [with the Lakers],” he continued. “And to be ready, if I’m asked to, for the next challenge with the national team, the World Cup of Spain 2014.”

Gasol is heading into the final year of his Lakers contract that will play him $19.3 million next season.

The Lakers were swept out of the playoffs by the San Antonio Spurs after a 45-37 season. Gasol missed 33 games with a variety of health issues (knees, foot and concussion).

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