Lakers' Gasol feels 'better' than expected

The optimism surrounding Los Angeles Lakers veterans Steve Nash and Pau Gasol has gone in split directions since training camp opened last month.

Gasol came in unsure if he would be able to participate because of offseason procedures on both of his knees, but ended up leading the team in scoring (13.7 points) while chipping in 6.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game in the preseason.

"I feel better than what I expected," Gasol said after practice Sunday ahead of the Lakers' regular-season opener Tuesday against the Los Angeles Clippers. "I'm really happy with how I feel right now. Now it's just a matter of we have a tough start, very demanding, a lot of games in a short period of time to start off".