Pau Gasol Believes Kobe Moving Into Lineup Will Be Smooth Transition

Kobe Bryant 11 19 13 4The Los Angeles Lakers, if nothing else, have built a team chemistry that just never came to form last season. Injuries had a lot to do with the team failing to gel last season, but there was also a coaching change and differences at the top of the pecking order in what it takes to win.

Those difference, however, were never really resolved as the Lakers squeaked into the post season as the eighth seed and were immediately swept out of post season play by the San Antonio Spurs.

This year, things have been different with the team playing as a cohesive unit instead of disbanded individuals working against each other for a common goal. A huge reason why this season has been much different is because there has been no clear alpha dog, and it’s been more of a win-by-committee approach, counter to how things have been during Kobe Bryant’s tenure in Los Angeles.

With Bryant on his way back, likely within the next week or so, it’s become fair to wonder how the harmony on the court will change once Bryant is inserted into the offensive scheme. Pau Gasol believes that the transition will be an easy one, according to Dave McMenamin of ESPNLA.

“I think he’s experienced and the way everybody looks up to him will translate to energy and communication and cohesiveness,” Gasol said. “I believe the transition will be pretty smooth. It won’t be too hard.”

Mike D’Antoni has found a groove with his rotations, but he’s going to have quite a job not working Bryant into the rotation, but working everyone else around Bryant’s minutes.

What is promising is the fact that the team is already accustomed to not playing a set number minutes on a nightly basis. D’Antoni’s willingness to roll with the hot hand regardless of position this season has essentially prepared guys, especially those who play on the perimeter, to play more or fewer minutes on any given night — with the latter expected to come for most.

It’ll be interesting to see how the culture of this Lakers team changes over the course of December with the return of Bryant, and maybe Nash, to the club.

——————————————————————-
Jordan Farmar Injury & Pau Gasol Update

You May Also Like

Video: ‘Basketball Magic’ Kobe Bryant

Saw this on Forum Blue and Gold’s Twitter account and just had…

Lakers News: Luke Walton, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Dismiss Concern Over Exchange

Lost in the shuffle of Kyle Kuzma scoring a game-high 33 points and good friends LeBron James and Dwyane Wade defending one another on the final possessions, was…

Lakers News: NBA Commissioner Urges Jeanie Buss To Be Aggressive

[new_royalslider id=”190″] The Lakers’ struggles this season have been well documented. The…

Lakers News: LeBron James Believes Nuggets Are One Of Best Teams He’s Faced In Career

Throughout his 21-year NBA career with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James has squared off…