Bucks lose Pau Gasol for rest of NBA playoffs

BACK SOON. Paul Gasol is expected to make full recovery by training camp. Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images/AFP

WASHINGTON, USA – Milwaukee Bucks center Pau Gasol will miss the remainder of the NBA playoffs after undergoing successful surgery to repair a stress fracture in his left foot, the team announced Friday, May 10 (Saturday, May 11, Manila time).

The 38-year-old Spaniard, who won NBA titles with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2008 and 2009, had the operation Thursday on his navicular bone, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, by doctor Robert Anderson, overseen by Bucks team physician William Raasch.

Six-time NBA All-Star Gasol, who signed with Milwaukee on March 3, is expected to make a full recovery in time for training camp.

The Bucks had the NBA's best regular-season record at 60-22 to earn homecourt advantage throughout the NBA playoffs.

Milwaukee will host Game 1 of the best-of-seven Eastern Conference finals on Wednesday against the winner of Sunday's second round Game 7 between the Philadelphia 76ers and Toronto Raptors.

Gasol averaged 4.2 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.9 assists this season.

Powered by Greek star Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks last month won their first playoff series since 2001 and seek their first NBA Finals appearance since 1974. The team won its only NBA title in 1971. – Rappler.com