LA Lakers' Gasol has finger surgery

SEVILLE, Spain, Aug. 11 (UPI) -- Los Angeles Lakers big man Pau Gasol is recovering from surgery to repair a finger he injured while practicing with the Spanish national team.

The 7-foot power forward-center was hurt blocking a shot while preparing for the upcoming European Championship, the Spanish Basketball Federation said in a statement on FIBA.com Tuesday.

"It's an injury to his left hand with damage to the interphalangeal ligament," the federation said. "After 20 days, he will be able to start training with the ball with protection (on the finger)."

Gasol helped the Lakers to the NBA title this spring in his first full season with the team. He averaged 18.9 points and 9.6 rebounds in 81 regular-season games. During the playoffs, he averaged 18.3 points and 10.8 rebounds in 23 games.

The Lakers begin their 2009-10 season Oct. 27.