It’s no secret that Pau Gasol is unhappy with his role on the Lakers, losing his starting position and being benched numerous times in crunchtime situations. Gasol and D’Antoni just don’t click and he hasn’t played well with Dwight Howard either. If the two remain next season Gasol may not. Read more after the jump.
Los Angeles Times’ T.J. Simers recently had a sit-down interview with Pau Gasol and asked some key questions about Gasol’s future and feelings about the team.
Simers: “If this coach stays and Dwight Howard remains with the Lakers, what about you?”
Gasol: “It would be hard to me to deal with another season knowing the facts you just mentioned.”
Simers: “So do you ask for a fresh start elsewhere?”
Gasol: “It’s a possibility, yes.”
Simers went on to deduce that the decision was quite easy for the coach because the Lakers are trying to appease Dwight Howard so he’ll return next season, to which Gasol replied, “That is correct.”
The interview was conducted before Gasol suffered a foot injury and is expected to be out for six weeks. Gasol now won’t be able to participate with the Lakers quest for a playoff spot. There’s been plenty of trade rumors surrounding Gasol but now it won’t happen before the February 21st deadline. It’s also unlikely that the Lakers will let Gasol go before they secure Dwight for the next season. If Dwight does decide to stay it appears that Gasol is as good as gone whether he asks for a trade or the Lakers make that decision on their own.
