Coach Mike D’Antoni says every Laker knows his role

Before practice on Monday, Coach Mike D’Antoni said all of his players know their roles -- they just may not accept them.

“ ‘I don’t know my role.’ Yeah, you do,” said D’Antoni. “Everybody knows their role. We spell it out every day.”

Various Lakers have expressed concern this season about where they fit in the offense -- or the team -- including Dwight Howard, Pau Gasol and Antawn Jamison.

Jamison disappeared from the rotation for a long stretch, finally snapping to media about his frustration. Gasol was openly unhappy with his role playing outside of the low post and coming off the bench.

“You might not accept that role and now you have, ‘Well, he doesn’t understand me,’ ” said D’Antoni. “Yeah, I do. You just don’t want to do what I want you to do.”

Gasol is out for six to eight weeks with a foot injury. Jamison is back in the rotation, whether by attrition or merit. Howard is still searching for how he can fit in with D’Antoni’s offense.

D’Antoni said the Lakers have improved of late and noted most of any drama was more important to the media than to any of the players.

“Everything is pretty good. There’s a lot of stuff in the media -- most of it’s not true -- it’s not half as bad as you all make it,” he said. “When we’re in the locker room it’s pretty tranquil, it’s pretty cool. We’re not perfect but we’re playing pretty good basketball right now and guys are getting along.”

The Lakers start a four-game home stand Tuesday night against the Phoenix Suns.

ALSO:

Lakers return from long, drama-filled trip

Pau Gasol says his foot won’t need surgery

Dwight Howard downplays his father’s comments

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