NBA Playoffs 2014 Bracket, Standings & Schedule: Pau Gasol Out Again after Severe Vertigo

According to a report by Sports Illustrated, Pau Gasol of the Los Angeles Lakers will not play against the Sacramento Kings after suffering from severe recurrence of vertigo. 

The veteran forward felt queasy and dizzy while playing against the Orlando Magic on March 30, 2014. He left the game on a stretcher and was brought to a hospital where he spent one night. Currently, Gasol is staying at the team's hotel in Sacramento and is bound to return to Los Angeles as soon as he feels better. There is a possibility that the team might go home ahead of him, if he is not cleared to fly immediately. 

An MRI scan was done on his head which rendered normal results. On March 31, 2014, Gasol was given the official diagnosis of vertigo. Based on a report by CBS Sports, Gasol played against the Portland Trail Blazers on April 1 after missing four games. He wore a patch behind his left ear to alleviate the symptoms of vertigo but again felt nauseous. He played for 28 minutes and garnered nine points, shooting 4 of 9 from the field. He also had 4 rebounds, one steal, seven assists and two blocks. The Lakers lost to the Blazers 124-112. The Lakers announced that it is unlikely that he will be playing against the Kings.   

In a report by the Los Angeles Times, Gasol said that his game against the Blazers might have been too soon after he suffered the initial bout. It is not yet known whether he will continue to suffer from recurrent symptoms. In 60 appearances in 2014, Gasol averaged 17.4 points, 3.4 assists and 9.7 rebounds per game. Gasol also stated that he didn't feel confident and assertive due to his recent stay at the hospital. 

The Lakers forward shared that he was in pain and vomiting at the hotel. "It was a nightmare. I was feeling terrible." He added, "Everyone that saw me felt bad. I was extremely pale and shivering and couldn't move," writes NBC Sports.