Gasol Odd Man Out in D’Antoni’s Scheme

Cary Edmondson-US PRESSWIRE

New Los Angeles Lakers head coach Mike D’Antoni and his up-tempo offensive scheme is leaving some players left with a smaller role, and it’s not leaving some very happy.  Namely, Pau Gasol.

The 32-year-old power forward doesn’t appear to be happy with his limited offensive role under the guise of D’Antoni, and it could result in a new acquisition before the season’s trade deadline.

The newest of trade rumblings include making a pitch for Atlanta Hawks power forward Josh Smith in a swap for Gasol. The trade has been mentioned before and picked up some steam in the offseason, but the Lakers eventually declined the deal for reasons unknown.

But the combination of Smith and center Dwight Howard would pit two of the best defensive players in the league on one squad.  And Smith’s up-and-down style of play matches that of D’Antoni’s scheme.  It could very well be a perfect fit for a Lakers squad that has yet to find its footing.

Where is it all going wrong though?

In two of the three games D’Antoni has coached the Lakers, Gasol posted just eight points and nine rebounds in Wednesday’s loss to the Brooklyn Nets and then tallied a mere six points and four rebounds in their 106-98 defeat to the Memphis Grizzlies, the latter of which Pau sat the majority of the fourth quarter.  The move was largely scrutinized by the Los Angeles media.

When asked about the decision to leave Gasol out of the lineup in the remaining minutes of Friday night’s game, D’Antoni replied, “I was thinking, ‘Boy, I’d like to win this game.’ That was the reason,” per Ramona Shelbourne of ESPN.com.

Instead, D’Antoni opted for a smaller lineup and inserted Antawn Jamison into Gasol’s place.

“I don’t remember the last time that has happened in my career,” Gasol said.  “It’s not my call. I’m a professional.  When my number’s called, I’m out there.”

And Gasol didn’t take it too kindly.

“All my looks are jump shots,” Gasol said.  “I would like to see something closer to the basket and not just rolling, especially when Dwight is there.  But we’ll see.  We’ll figure it out.  We’

If the trade rumors do pick up steam, the Lakers could prove to be an unstoppable force in the West.   Even if the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder are playing their best basketball.