Pau Gasol frustrated and challenged by benching

Pau Gasol says coming off the bench for the Lakers is a challenge for him to keep his emotions in check. (Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press / January 29, 2013)

By Eric Pincus

January 30, 2013, 5:50 p.m.

Tuesday night's win over the New Orleans Hornets was a difficult one for Lakers center/forward Pau Gasol.

"It's fun to win but when a team comes back on you the way the Hornets did tonight, and you're not there as a high-quality player and a competitor, it's frustrating," Gasol said.

Already bothered by Coach Mike D'Antoni's decision to have him come off the bench behind Earl Clark, Gasol also sat the fourth quarter as the Hornets made a late run.

When D'Antoni rushed his starters back in to staunch the bleeding, Gasol just sat and watched.

"It's a challenge," Gasol said. "I'm challenged every day to keep my calm and keep my peace and not let my emotions take over my words."

The Lakers pulled out the victory (111-106). Gasol is doing his best to accept his new role, but make no mistake, he's not happy with it.

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Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.

Comments (20)

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chrisanddenine at 8:29 PM January 31, 2013

Who the hell hired D'Antoni anyway? I know of a coach who would have used Pau well, his name is, Phil Jackson. To think of passing on him and hiring Mike D'Antoni makes me ill. So, can anyone tell me who made this mess and hired D'Antoni?

matt32p at 7:42 PM January 31, 2013

It looks like Pau's true colors are really come out. He complains for not getting touches in the post, complains about not starting and now complains that he's not playing in the fourth. He should keep his mouth shut and get with the program. The only way he's going to get touches in the post is to come off the bench. He needs to step up and be a leader for the bench mob like Lamar did. Doesn't he realize that he will be the main offensive focus off the bench? D'Antoni tends to play guys that are hot and miks it. Jamison not only was doing well, but he can stretch the floor and it quicker than Pau. And he makes his free throws. Why would you want to mess with that. Pau is too slow to guard Ryan Anderson. Pau is starting to be a cancer to the team. Shouldn't he be happy that the team is finally turning things around and look like they can win. Stop complaining and start being a leader.

eyeneversayno at 12:09 PM January 31, 2013

A proven player, Pau Gasol has been and remains one of the most talented and gifted big men in all of basketball, not just the NBA. That D'Antoni chose him to be his designated scapegoat (as he did with Carmello Anthony in NY) brings shame to the organization, as many of us have not forgtten the difference Gasol made to what had been a moribund Laker team prior to his joining the team. They went from being a so-so team to champions, and Gasol was the key addition.

The problem is D'Antoni, who stubbornly clings to a style of play that does not fit the current roster. The Lakers are a very tall post-up team being forced to play run and gun basketball by a coach that doesn't seem to know anything else.

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