Lakers News: Mike D’Antoni Intends to Keep Gasol in Starting Lineup

NBA: Denver Nuggets at Los Angeles LakersThe Los Angeles Lakers were without Pau Gasol for a fifth consecutive game Tuesday night against the Milwaukee Bucks as the 7-foot forward is dealing with a concussion. This season has been very turbulent for the Spaniard and this injury is just one of the setbacks he has faced.

Before the Lakers tipped off against the Bucks, coach Mike D’Antoni talked to ESPN LA about what the Lakers will do once Gasol gets back. Even though Earl Clark has been a great surprise, D’Antoni has no intentions of bringing Gasol off the bench.

“(Bringing Gasol off the bench) would be tough,” D’Antoni said before Tuesday’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks. “We’ll see (how) everything kind of plays out the way it is, but that’s not my intention right now.”

This season, Gasol is averaging a disappointing 12.2 points on 41.6 percent shooting, both career-lows in his 12 seasons in the NBA. D’Antoni has given Gasol fewer minutes than expected this season and the coach has often times benched his star forward in fourth quarters.

The Lakers need Gasol to regain his previous form if they want to make the next step as a team. Los Angeles is beginning to play better, but this team can become an elite squad in the Western Conference if Gasol step his game up.

You May Also Like

Lakers Training Camp: Alex Caruso Open To Playing Point Guard, Shooting Guard During 2019-20 NBA Season

After spending most of the past two seasons fighting for a roster spot, Alex Caruso was finally rewarded with a two-year…

Lakers News: Raja Bell ‘Genuinely Hated’ Kobe Bryant During Suns Playoff Series

Throughout Kobe Bryant’s 20 seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, there were certain players who felt they could guard…

Lakers News: Kobe Bryant Says Team Needs to Lock Up Dwight Howard

The NBA free agency period is right around the corner with the…

Lakers News: Rich Paul Not Thinking About LeBron James Retiring

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has been a marvel throughout his illustrious career and remains one of the best players…