Spain's Gasol to skip world title defence

[dave nz]

Pau Gasol has ruled himself out of Spain's defence of their world title later this year on the advice of doctors, the LA Lakers forward said on Wednesday.


"Present circumstances advise against my participation," Gasol wrote in a statement on his personal website.


The 29-year-old said he had discussed the matter with American and Spanish specialists, before telling the country's basketball federation and team coach Sergio Scariolo.


"We concluded that after another long NBA season, coupled with my participation to the highest level in all club competitions and the national team during these past years, it makes it very difficult physically to face an important challenge as the World Cup of Basketball.


"This year, I have suffered two major muscle injuries, the first in my career, and I firmly believe it is time to rest. I think the best is to choose an appropriate time... then your body decides for you at the most inopportune time."


The Lakers start the defence of their NBA championship title against the Boston Celtics in the best-of-seven final series on Friday.


Gasol was voted MVP of the world championship in Japan four years ago, despite having to sit out Spain's final victory over Greece. He also helped them to silver at the Euros in 2007 and silver at the Beijing Olympics a year later.


This year's FIBA World Championship is being staged at five venues in Turkey from August 28-September 12.

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