It’s Time for Pau Gasol to Put His Foot Down, Demand LA Lakers Trade Him

The 2013-14 season was expected to be Pau Gasol’s opportunity to put a tumultuous 2012-13 behind him, but with even more drama and no clear resolution in sight, it’s time for Gasol to end the soap opera himself.

At 33 years old and with the best basketball of his career behind him, there is simply no reason for Gasol to waste away on a sub-.500 Los Angeles Lakers squad that will ultimately need a miracle just to manage a seventh or eighth seed.

A resurgence was expected from Gasol this season after he battled health issues and averaged just 13.7 points, 8.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists on 46.6 percent shooting playing opposite Dwight Howard, but persistent clashes with Mike D’Antoni have made it abundantly clear that things are not going to magically improve.

With Kobe Bryant sidelined, the Lakers are at a talent disadvantage practically every time they suit up. Even if Gasol was playing like he did during L.A.’s championship runs, this would be a lottery team. 

It was undoubtedly a successful pairing, but it’s time for Gasol to do what is best and demand a trade. The situation has passed the breaking point, and for a variety of reasons asking out of Los Angeles is the only logical choice for the All-Star big man.

 



Getting an Early Start on Free Agency 

Even with his relatively disappointing 2013-14 numbers, Gasol will still be among the most coveted free agents in the 2014 offseason, particularly if players like LeBron James and Dwyane Wade don’t opt out of their current contracts.

Gasol earns $19.3 million this season. While he will certainly be taking a pay cut, he could still earn himself an extra few million dollars and added job security if he lands elsewhere and plays well.

D’Antoni’s offensive system will never allow Gasol to shine offensively. He does not receive enough paint tou...

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