Pau Gasol making progress in recovery from torn plantar fascia

Pau Gasol is getting closer and closer to a return from his torn plantar fascia injury, but he's still pretty far off. There has been some progress, though. From the L.A. Daily News:

After visiting Dr. Peter Yoon having a successful ultrasound on his right foot Tuesday, Gasol has been cleared to work out on the elliptical machine.

A Lakers spokesman said Gasol's "healing process is coming along."

Gasol went off crutches on Tuesday, exactly three weeks after suffering the original injury. But Lakers coach Mike D'Antoni said the team has still stuck to its original timetable that Gasol will be out at least six to eight weeks.

via Pau Gasol cleared to work out on elliptical machine | Inside the Lakers.

So he's able to step on an elliptical machine! Woo!

Mike D'Antoni recently said he doesn't expect Gasol to make an impact on the regular season this year, indicating the team could save him for a playoff run. If they make it, that is.

The Lakers are 2½ games back of the Rockets for the No. 8 seed.