Who says it doesn't rain in Southern California? Because right now it's pouring. The Lakers continue to drip with problems. After the Lake Show's fourth straight loss to Houston yesterday injuries to post players has now become the centre of attention. With Andrew Bynum and Theo Ratliff sitting on the bench with bum knees, double, double, All Star Pau Gasol has had to double up his workload. This extra sprain on the Spaniard has taken it's toll. It's taken it's toll so much that the teams second option has in fact strained his left hamstring. Los Angeles will have to list Pau as day to day while he recovers. Pau missed practice today and if he does in fact play over the next week he's going to have to be careful out there in the heavy paint. With the Lakers now looking like a Apple 'N' Spice up front they will also have to rely more on Lamar Odom (who is having an All-Star year and would probably be Sixth Man Of The Year if it wasn't for all these injuries) and impressive rookie Derrick Caracter. While now the idea about signing another player may get thrown around. Gasol recognises his increased workload has taken it's toll but for his team he only cares about helping them, "We're short-handed already. I just try to be out there as much as I can and do as much as I can. You don't want anything extremely bad to happen that will put you out, but you have to tough it out right now, suck it up and hopefully get a couple of guys back." Although this is another slice of bad news for L.A. it looks like it isn't as bad as it seems as Phil Jackson told press, "He's a pretty resilient player. We think he can play." Still one things for sure the Lakers need Bynum back now more than ever. TIM DAVID HARVEY.
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