Earl Clark takes Pau Gasol's starting job ... 'permanently'

Earl Clark is the new starting power forward for the Los Angeles Lakers -- tonight and going forward.

According to Lakers beat writer Kevin Ding: "Pau Gasol is out as Lakers' starter, Mike D'Antoni said. Permanently."

Lakers beat writer Mike Trudell reported that "Pau Gasol will come off the bench tonight to maximize his time at center, his best position, said Mike D’Antoni. Earl Clark will start. [Lakers coach Mike] D’Antoni feels the Lakers are best when playing smaller, and thinks it can work better with Gasol punishing second units."

Clark just became a must-own player (owned in 13 percent of Yahoo leagues).