By Mike Bresnahan, Los Angeles

HOUSTON — Pau Gasol is out indefinitely because of a moderate ankle sprain, perhaps putting the Lakers’ drive to stay atop the Western Conference on hold as well.

With the margin of error in the West already slimmer than slim, the Lakers will be without a true post presence today against Houston and probably the rest of their trip against other top Western teams.

Gasol was hurt Friday against New Orleans after landing on Vladimir Radmanovic’s foot while cutting through the lane early in the first quarter. X-rays during the game were negative, and an MRI exam Saturday at Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston revealed a moderate sprain.

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