Though Dwight Howard was starting over Gasol when healthy, his shoulder problems were forcing him to the bench and Gasol was putting up great numbers as a starter. The 32-year-old veteran was averaging 13.4 points and eight rebounds per game before he endured the tear to the bottom of his right foot.
In response to the announcement, Kobe Bryant told press after the loss to the Celtics on Thursday, “I think L.A.’s kind of seeing how much we miss Pau and what he brings to the table in his skill set,” reported the Los Angeles Times.
The Lakers will certainly miss Gasol, seeing as they are already short on help at the low post. Center Jordan Hill hasn’t played since January 6 because of a hip injury and will miss the rest of the reason, as the Los Angeles Times disclosed.
That means, first and foremost, that Howard needs to get healthy and move past his shoulder problems. He’s looked pretty strong recently in Gasol’s absence. Against Miami last night, Howard played a whopping 41 minutes and grabbed nine rebounds and 15 points. He also totaled 12 points and 11 rebounds in the Lakers’ less-than-inspiring win against Charlotte on February 8.
Yet he has to get better on the offensive. All 11 of his rebounds against Charlotte were defensive rebounds.
Kobe Bryant said of Howard and his shoulder injury, “He’s doing the best he can. Obviously he’s limited in what he can do for us as opposed to what he was doing when he was in Orlando, but he’s still giving it a good effort,” according to the...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
