Tensions are running high with the Los Angeles Lakers having lost 26 of their last 32 games, and the team's most recent stretch of three straight losses has head coach Mike D'Antoni and Pau Gasol at odds. Again.
"That's why you have to be disciplined and implement discipline, that's how you kind of make that better or make that not a factor," Gasol said of the Lakers following Tuesday's loss to the Indiana Pacers, via ESPN Los Angeles' Dave McMenamin. "I don't think there's a lot of discipline right now."
Gasol's comments were a not-so-subtle shot at D'Antoni, whose small-ball principles and minutes distribution have begun to aggravate the 7-footer. Naturally, D'Antoni took exception to Gasol's criticism, prompting him to respond before Los Angeles' loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.
"The thing I just don't appreciate...You just keep it in-house," he said, via McMenamin.
Indeed, airing out dirty laundry for everyone to see is bad press. While Gasol's concerns were legitimate and correct, the way in which he delivered his message wasn't exactly acceptable.
For all those arguing D'Antoni should practice what he preaches, you're only half-right.
D'Antoni shouldn't be using the media as his own personal carrier pigeon. In this instance, however, he's responding to groundwork Gasol already laid. His comments also came on the heels of a meeting with the team, per McMenamin, so calling him a hypocrite would be unfair.
"But to go to (the media) and to do it in the papers, that's disturbing," D'Antoni continued. "I just don't think that's the way to go and people should understand that we're all trying to solve the same problem, so let's just put our heads together and do the best we can."
The Lakers are in an interesting predicament for the rest of this season. Playoffs are clearly out the question, which makes the remaining 24 games all about talent evaluat...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
