The Los Angeles Lakers fell to the Indiana Pacers last night thanks to a game winning layup by George Hill. The Lakers performed poorly for three quarters, and they could not make the right plays down the stretch to take the game at Staples Center. Kobe Bryant finished the game with 40 points, but the rest of the Laker players had trouble contributing.
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Lakers forward Pau Gasol has been struggling as of late and he continued his cold streak last night. In over 30 minutes of play, Gasol scored only 10 points, but did pull down nine rebounds. Nevertheless, it is clear that Gasol is having a hard time adjusting to the new offense, but Lakers coach Mike D’Antoni told the Los Angeles Daily News that he believes Gasol can fit in this system.
“He’s another seven-footer who can guard the rim and he’s extremely smart,” D’Antoni said. “So there’s no reason why he can’t fit. Ideally, you’d want a guy like Jesse Owens who can run. But he’s a big part of what we’re going to do.”
“I don’t see how a player as smart as he is, as talented as he is and efficient as he is, doesn’t fit in anybody’s schemes,” he continued. “I got to reevaluate myself if I can’t play with Pau Gasol. Come on. He’s won two championships.”
There were times in last night’s game when Gasol seemed lost and confused. There was not a lot of confidence in Gasol’s game and he was not attacking the basket like he used to. There is no question Gasol can perform much better than he has as of late, and the Lakers need the 2010 Gasol to show up if they want to progress as a team.
Gasol one of the most skilled big men in the game today and his style of play would work well with D’Antoni. Gasol has the ability to stretch the floor with his shooting, and he incredible passing skills can greatly help this Lakers team.
