Pau Gasol just wants to win and that is something the Los Angeles Lakers are not doing. After yet another loss on Tuesday to the Indiana Pacers, Gasol took some time to vent frustrations over the lack of defense and all-around effort from the team. Currently nowhere near making the playoffs, the Lakers claim they are not mailing in this season although doing very little to prove it one the court. Gasol is not thrilled.
Currently 12 of the 15 players on the Lakers roster will not have a contract come next season. With 25 games left to play, Gasol does not believe anyone is interested in earning extensions, content with leaving a team set to rebuild. The veteran opted to call out head coach Mike D'Antoni to instill some discipline into the Lakers to help finish the season on a high note.
"That's why you have to be disciplined and implement discipline, that's how you kind of make that better or make that not a factor," Gasol said, via ESPN.com. "I don't think there's a lot of discipline right now."
Gasol questioned the defensive plan the Lakers played against the Pacers. Los Angeles had a three-point lead heading into the third quarter that was completely demolished. D'Antoni opted for a small lineup against a Pacers team known for their size. The forward questioned why player matchups were not addressed during the game, noting it simply cannot happen again.
"I think when you have a lineup like Zach [Randolph] and Marc [Gasol] tomorrow (the Lakers finish off their two-game road back-to-back Wednesday against the Memphis Grizzlies), you have to match up accordingly a little bit, I think. That's just me," Gasol said. "If we want to continue to play small, we have to play to that advantage and utilize more quickness. But if we get outrebounded by 20 rebounds, I don't care who you are and what you do, it's not going to work. You're not going to win."
Gasol referenced that he was not the only one upset about the lack of discipline or correct play callings in games. Kobe Bryant is normally known for his tough-love to other teammates and right now without him on the court, things are not going as smoothly. Gasol is not putting the blame on Bryant though, simply saying everyone is frustrated and needs to step up.
"I wouldn't put that responsibility on him," Gasol said. "I'm sure he's frustrated with his situation and his injury. It would always help and be a positive influence, but I don't think he has to be the one implementing the discipline. One day at a time. Making sure I keep myself cool."
