体坛英语新闻：Lakers forward Gasol to miss World Championships

MADRID, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Los Angeles Lakers' Spanish forward Pau Gasol said Tuesday he will not comepte in the basketball World Championships in Turkey citing he wants to have a rest.

"This year I have suffered two major muscle injuries, the first in my career, and I firmly believe it is time to rest," he said in a statement posted on his official website.

"I think the best is to choose an appropriate time to rest first rather than your body decides for you at the most inopportune time," the 29-year-old added.

Phoenix Suns forward Amare Stoudemire drives to the basket and into Los Angeles Lakers forward Pau Gasol in the first quarter during Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference finals in Phoenix, Arizona May 29, 2010.

"I regret this decision, but in the last four years I'm probably one of the players who have played more games in the world, having reached the finals of all the disputed contests with the Lakers and Spain. Now my body is calling for a temporary relief."