ESPNLosAngeles.com's Ramona Shelburne reported on the matter, and it is a savvy short-term move by general manager Mitch Kupchak that should keep the squad's spirits high in these trying times:
Gasol has been a franchise cornerstone for years and is a two-time NBA champion, so he's clearly no slouch.
But as a thriving force in the post as both a scorer and a passer, he has struggled to find his niche in head coach Mike D'Antoni's fast-paced offense that is designed for a prototypical stretch 4.
The veteran has done his best to make it work and is still playing at a rather high level while also providing LA with some much-needed size and a rebounding presence on the interior.
With standout players such as Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash and Steve Blake being out of the lineup for much of the season, there has been little continuity and a thinning of personnel in the backcourt.
It was Gasol's turn to sit with an illness for Saturday's loss to Golden State, per Yahoo! Sports' Marc J. Spears:
Until then, though, Gasol was the only Laker to start every game of the season amid D'Antoni's constant but necessary rotational reshuffling, per ESPN Stats & Info:
That the Lakers are still sporting a 13-14 record and are still well within striking distance of a playoff spot in the loaded Western Conference is a minor miracle considering their calamities.
The leadership and confidence Gasol has exuded in a time when the legend in Bryant has been sidelined has been exceptional. As if to dispel any notions of a trade, Gasol tore it up his last time out, putting up 21 points, 13 rebounds and...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
