Playing through

Despite a hand injury, the Lakers' Kobe Bryant drives to the basket during the second quarter of a basketball game in Atlanta. (John Bazemore / AP / February 14, 2008)

By Mike Bresnahan Los Angeles Times Staff Writer Los Angeles Times

February 15, 2008
Pau Gasol's appearance in the last six games was an obvious boost for the Lakers -- and for Gasol as well.


He has averaged 20.5 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists a game with the Lakers, who are 5-1 with him. Memphis, meanwhile, is 1-5 since trading Gasol.

"What's not to like?" Gasol said. "I like everything about it. I think we have an amazing team. Everything around here is just at another level, at a level I haven't had a chance to experience in my career here in the NBA."

Bryant won't be the only member of the Lakers in New Orleans for All-Star weekend.

Second-year guard Jordan Farmar will take part in the rookie-sophomore challenge today.

Farmar flew Thursday morning from Minneapolis to New Orleans, extending what would have been a 15-day stay away from home.

He said he was both excited and exhausted.

"It's an honor to be there," he said. "I'll be back home soon enough, but I definitely miss it."

Rookie guard Coby Karl on Thursday was sent down to the D-Fenders, the Lakers Development League affiliate, for a second time this season.

Karl was averaging 1.3 points in 11 games with the Lakers. He averaged 18.3 points in 10 games with the D-Fenders.

mike.bresnahan@latimes.com