Lakers’ Superstar Syndrome Too Much for Mike D’Antoni to Handle

Mike D'Antoni hasn't even been head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers for two weeks, and he is already dealing with player drama.

According to Arash Markazi of ESPNLosAngeles.com, D'Antoni got a bit testy during his press conference following Los Angeles' loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night. The first words out of the offensive mastermind's mouth were about his disdain for players complaining about their share of touches.

Forward Pau Gasol was later identified as one of the players dissatisfied with his opportunities, calling for more time in the low post and less outside the paint. Gasol said:

 

I'm not a pure jump-shooter I can stretch the defense out and make a couple jumpers. But how I get going is by getting in the paint and creating off the post, things like that.

That's historically how I've been really successful and made a really good name for myself and earned my contracts. But hopefully I'll find a way and we'll find a way to get me a few opportunities there and get myself going in that way and be more effective.

 

Gasol's words may have some merit, as he has been terrible over his past two games. He has scored just 14 points and grabbed 13 rebounds in that stretch, shooting just 33 percent from the field. Center Dwight Howard has been equally bad, posting identical scoring and rebounding totals and shooting about the same from the field.

Thus, one can see why Gasol would be frustrated. The same can be said for Howard, who has yet to say anything this season but was vocal about his frustration over lack of touches last season with the Orlando Magic.

It is perfectly understandable why D'Antoni would feel exasperated at such a complaint, particularly because his run-and-gun system calls for a fast-paced, team-oriented offense. If just one player strays from his role and/or complains about it, the proverbial house of cards falls.
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers