Gasol returns to Lakers' lineup; Kaman out for Clippers

LOS ANGELES -- Lakers forward Pau Gasol will start tonight against the Clippers after missing six games with a strained left hamstring, Lakers coach Phil Jackson said.

Clippers center Chris Kaman will not play (sore back), a Clippers spokesperson said one hour before tipoff.

With Gasol out, the Lakers went 3-3 with losses to the Blazers, Clippers and Spurs. Los Angeles is 19-3 with Gasol (winning by an average of 9.9 points) and 11-6 without. Gasol, who is averaging 16.8 points and 11.5 rebounds, missed the Lakers' first 11 games of the season with a strained right hamstring he suffered in preseason.

Kaman, who is averaging 20.4 points and 9.4 rebounds, will miss his third straight game after injuring his back during pregame warmups against Memphis.