Pau Gasol is ready to have a return-to-form type of season in 2013. As the Los Angeles Lakers attempt to work through a slight transition year, Gasol is looking to step up and be a go-to guy again. With Kobe Bryant injured and Dwight Howard gone, Gasol is promising to rise up as a leader with his worst season behind him.
Gasol was a mess last season. He battled injuries while adjusting to playing new positions. Things did not work out well for the Lakers veteran. Gasol put up one of his worst seasons in his career, playing in only 49 games while averaging just 13.7 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. However, he is vowing to have put all of that behind him and is focused on the season ahead.
"I think I have the most uncertain period behind me," Gasol told The Associated Press. "The team has suffered a lot of changes, but as far as me, I am back in the position of a lot of responsibility, which I like, and I'm just going to focus on getting healthy. Now with Dwight gone I am the reference inside and I am more like I was a couple of years back when we made the Finals three straight times and won two straight championships."
Gasol is returning to the position where he helped the Lakers win titles in 2009 and 2010. Not shocked by Howard's decision to depart Los Angeles, Gasol is happy that the door is open for a return to starting center position. Knees allowing, Gasol could emerge as the real star of the 2013 season.
His knees will be the biggest obstacle for Gasol to overcome, and it is a big one. Entering his 13th season in the NBA, Gasol's health has held him back recently. He has surgery and stem cell treatment on his knees in May and plans to rest them for most of the summer before increasing the intensity of his rehab. Gasol said the next two months will be key for his recovery.
If all goes according to plan. Gasol wants to be the second leading scorer on the team, behind Bryant. Head coach Mike D'Antoni is confident he can reach that goal. The four-time All-Star is known to average 18-plus points a game, making the 2012 season just a pump in the road. The center does not lack for motivation this season. He is well-aware it is his final contract year and he wants to be back on top.
