Lakers Practice Report: 11/02/09

Phil Jackson opened his post-practice presser by explaining that Pau Gasol had an MRI on Monday to test his hamstring. Results of the MRI are pending, and will be available on Tuesday at the earliest. Gasol will travel with the team to Oklahoma City and Houston.

He talked about matching Ron Artest up with Oklahoma City’s Kevin Durant, who moved from shooting guard to small forward last season to much success. Jackson went on to praise the home OKC crowd and their new pick up James Harden (the No. 3 overall pick in the draft).

Jackson also detailed Ron Artest’s Sunday evening and what he expects from his starting small forward, addressed L.A.’s backup guards and talked about how Kobe Bryant may be able to roam off his man with less risk when Artest is on the court.

The team headed straight to the airport after practice for a flight to Oklahoma City; game time is 5:30 PM.