The Lakers recalled rookie-center Robert Sacre from the D-Fenders on Monday.

Sacre was sent to the D-League last week, playing in three games for an average of 7.7 points 9.7 rebounds and a block in 27 minutes. The former Gonzaga Bulldog played major minutes for the Lakers throughout the exhibition season but once Dwight Howard returned to the lineup (back), Sacre’s time dwindled significantly.


Rookie guard Darius Johnson-Odom will remain with the D-Fenders as the Lakers prepare for a three-game trip that will take them to Houston, New Orleans and Oklahoma City.

Coach Mike D’Antoni noted that Pau Gasol continues to battle knee tendinitis. The Lakers coach wasn’t sure whether he would eventually have to sit Gasol a game to get him healthy.


If so, Sacre could see some time, although Jordan Hill is still ahead of him in the rotation at center behind Howard and Gasol.

The Lakers will next play the Rockets on Tuesday night at the Toyota Center.


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Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.