The star forward is having his worst statistical season of his career, averaging 12.2 points and 8.5 rebounds a game. A direct consequence of the fact that he doesn't seem to fit into Mike D'Antoni's system.
To be fair, that's not entirely Gasol’s fault.
D'Antoni has him spending more time on the three-point line than he does in the paint. That would be fine if he was a 6'5" guard. Only problem is, he's a four-time All-Star at the power forward spot.
Gasol has had a terrible time this season, and it only got worse on Friday night.
Gasol spent the majority of the fourth quarter on the bench against the LA Clippers. And D'Antoni made it clear the benching was based purely on performance saying, "He just didn't have a good game." (h/t ESPN)
That might sting, but that quote wasn't even the main story from the post-game interviews. Instead, the talk surrounded Gasol and any desire he might have for a trade, which, according to Gasol, is none.
"No, oh, that's radical," Gasol said when asked whether he would request a trade. "I still believe. I still have faith in what we have. I still have faith that I can be a big part in helping this team succeed. Right now, I'm not being able to do that very often."
The two-time champion may feel he still belongs in LA, but for his, and the team's sake, a trade would be best.
For Gasol, it's simply a matter of revitalizing his career.
With Dwight Howard in the middle of the paint, it leaves little space for Gasol to operate in his comfort zone. Inside 10 feet is where the Spaniard excels, but he doesn't get those opportunities any longer in Los Angeles.
He went from being the second option on a pair of NBA championship teams to playing fourth fiddle on a roster floundering around the .500 mark.
How's that...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
