Newly signed Houston Rockets player Dwight Howard holds up his new team jersey during a news conference in Houston, Texas July 13, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]

Gasol had surgery followed by stem-cell treatment on both knees in May. He said after resting for most of this summer, he's increasing the intensity of his rehab.

"These next two months are the key months to find out how they really are," said Gasol, adding he wasn't in pain.

While Gasol wants to be the Lakers' second scorer again after Bryant, he still hasn't heard if coach Mike D'Antoni agrees.

The Spaniard said he had spoken to Bryant, point guard Steve Nash and general manager Mitch Kupchak about the team after Howard decided to leave, but he has yet to speak to D'Antoni.

Gasol had a rough first season with the former Suns and Knicks coach and lost his guaranteed starter's job. Nevertheless, Gasol is looking forward to this season.

D'Antoni "had a tough position, I had a tough position," Gasol said. "I had a job to do, he had a job to do, so there really is no mystery. I know he had challenges. It was a very challenging season. Next season is a different one and a new chapter. So we'll start out fresh and do our best."

A career scorer of 18-plus points a game, Gasol had his worst scoring season in 2012-13, averaging 13.7. The four-time All-Star is aiming to improve.

"I have a great motivation," he said. "It's the last year of my contract, so I want to get back to being one of the top players in the league."