In recent weeks, Chris Kaman has voiced his displeasure with his role on the team and his lack of minutes. Kaman was a steady part of the rotation during the preseason and tends to play relatively well when he does get minutes, but D’Antoni constantly changes his rotation, usually leaving Kaman out of it.
Coach Mike D’Antoni appeared on ESPN LA 710 this morning, and spoke on why Kaman hasn’t been seeing much time on the court lately:
“It’s a team thing – it’s not individual. Chris is good. He does a lot of things Pau does.” MDA on why Kaman is getting no run.
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) January 10, 2014
It is true that Kaman and Gasol have similar games in that they are excellent passers, have great court vision, and can operate from either the post or the elbow with ease. In the preseason, D’Antoni seemed open to playing the two together, but things change, especially after the amount of injuries the Lakers have suffered.
With the recent release of Shawne Williams however, it does look like Kaman will see an uptick in minutes going forward:
D’Antoni said Kaman “will play from now on” since Shawne Williams got waived. We’ll see if he gets on the court tonight.
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) January 10, 2014
The Lakers have only been suiting up nine players recently so every player will be essential to the Lakers success as they are in the midst of their worst slump of the season, not to mention the Lakers are set to embark on their annual Grammy road trip.
Time will tell whether Kaman will lock down a spot in D’Antoni’s constantly changing rotation.
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