" Pau Gasol will return to the court Thursday against the Miami Heat after missing five games because of a concussion, but he won't be playing with the starting unit.

"He hasn't practiced in a week and a half and he hasn't really had physical activity in a week and a half," Lakers coach Mike D'Antoni told reporters at shootaround Thursday. "So, we're going to watch him tonight. He's going to be a little bit limited in what he does and then ease him back in."

Earl Clark will start in Gasol's place. Clark has averaged 9.7 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.3 blocks in the last three games playing power forward with the first unit.

"I'm excited to play and be back on the floor after this process," Gasol said. "I've struggled with this concussion.