Those wanting to witness Pau Gasol in a much better state than the 2011 NBA playoffs can do a few things.

Rewatch most of his games ever since the Lakers acquired him from Memphis nearly three years ago. He's usually pretty good.

Skip the 2008 NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics. Yes, Gasol was soft in that series.

Lastly, watch the FIBA European Championships that begin Wednesday and run to Sept. 18. It'll likely feature Gasol returning to his efficient  form with the Spanish national team. Fans will either have to find last-minute flights and tickets to Lithuania or wake up at ungodly hours to watch it online at ESPN3.com. 

That will begin Wednesday when Spain plays in the preliminary round against Poland at 5:15 a.m. Spain will also have preliminary round games on Thursday against Portgual at 5:15 a.m.,  Friday against Britain at 5:15 a.m., Sunday against Lithuania at 11 a.m. and Monday against Turkey at 7:45 a.m.

ESPN2 will air the semifinals Sept. 16 at 7:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. The gold-medal game will be featured on ESPN2 on delay at 9:30 p.m. on Sept. 18.

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--Mark Medina

Email the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com

Photo: Lakers power forward Pau Gasol takes a shot over Mavericks point guard Jason Kidd and forward Peja Stojakovic in the first half of Game 4 of the 2011 Western Conference semifinals. Credit: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times / May 8, 2011