Just as Ron Artest was ready to return to the Los Angeles Lakers, Pau Gasol will miss a couple games with a strained left hamstring.

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Gasol played just 7 minutes before leaving the Laker’s match against the Dallas Mavericks last night.

The injury to the Spanish star was called “mild to moderate” and is doubtful for the Lakers’ Tuesday night game against the Houston Rockets.

Gasol is listed as day-to-day. The 7-0 forward/center, who is averaging 16.8 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists, missed the season’s first 11 games with a strained right hamstring.

Artest was cleared to practice Monday and could play Tuesday night against his former team the Houston Rockets.