The Los Angeles Lakers have plenty of changes that will need to be made during the 2014 offseason. However, last week it was hinted that a change at the coaching position might not be one of them. While Mike D'Antoni has been taken most of the blame for the Lakers' downfalls this season, the team might not be moving on from him just yet. Could that decision cost them a player in free agency?
Kevin Ding of Bleacher Report is reporting that the Lakers are leaning towards retaining Mike D'Antoni for at least one more season despite several players' disgust with the head coach's methods. Financially, not firing D'Antoni makes the most sense for Los Angeles. The head coach is currently under contract for one more guaranteed season, so the team must pay him no matter what. With players like Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash returning possibly (do not rule anything out) at full strength, D'Antoni will likely be given one more year to prove himself.
However, if D'Antoni stays, does Pau Gasol go? Gasol is entering free agency this offseason and will have to decide whether he sticks around with the Lakers for likely less money or heads elsewhere. The coaching staff could be a large factor in this one. The center does not have the best relationship with D'Antoni. The two have squabbled several times this season, each making public comments against one another. With Gasol getting the chance to move on, he could likely take it if D'Antoni is guaranteed another season with Los Angeles.
Several teams are ready to be suitors for Gasol. Chris Mannnix of SI.com is reporting that the Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers and Charlotte Bobcats will be first in line for Gasol. The Memphis Grizzlies could be an option, but only if Zach Randolph opts out of his contract. The center is making it known that money is not a factor, but more so the ability to win a championship.
"I want to be in a team that is going to be built to win a championship," Gasol said, via SI.com. "That's my top priority. Money won't be the main priority. Length and money are factors, but we'll see. Until I know all the options, I won't be able to measure them. But we're getting close to the end of my career. I want to be in a good situation. It's an important decision to make."
If money is not a factor then teams like Cleveland and Charlotte can be eliminated. The Bulls would be an interesting and productive fit for Gasol, but only if the team uses their amnesty clause on Carlos Boozer. Bringing on Gasol while retaining Boozer is pointless for both players. The Grizzlies would be a likely frontrunner considering the center started his career with the team and his brother currently stars there.
The Lakers are looking to rebuild and contend for a title next season, but Gasol and D'Antoni simply do not fit together. He could be the major factor that pushes Gasol one way or another.