According to Ben Bolch of the Los Angeles Times, Howard has said he may not be ready to play in the team’s season opener on Oct. 30. The Lakers are expected to move Gasol to the center position, while Jordan Hill will fill in for the injured Howard and start at power forward.
Unless the Lakers re-sign Howard long term, he could have a one-and-done season in Los Angeles. But even though Howard is only under contract for the 2012-13 season with the Lakers, caution regarding the big man’s back injury will likely win out. Waiting until the former three-time Defensive Player of the Year award winner is back at 100 percent (or as close as he can be following surgery) would be in the best interest of both parties involved.
Because of this, Gasol will have to embrace a bigger role, but that’s precisely why the 32-year-old Spaniard will thrive with Howard sidelined.
Throughout last season and the playoffs, Gasol was utilized outside of his comfort zone. The Lakers’ coaching staff had Gasol play a more perimeter-oriented role as Andrew Bynum had a breakout season in the post. As a result, Gasol attempted nearly double the amount of three-pointers (27) as he had in any season prior (15 attempts was his previous career-high). Keep in mind that Gasol hoisted up 27 three-point shots in just 65 games played due to the lockout-shortened season.
This is not Gasol’s game. His career three-point percentage of 23.2 percent is evidence of that fact. The leader of Spain’s Olympic basketball team carved a niche in the NBA with his skilled offensive post ...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
