There is still no telling when Kobe Bryant will be back on the court, but in the meantime, Pau Gasol is the one leading the team.
Gasol was the Lakers’ second option during their championship run and everyone in the organization has immense respect for the Spaniard. With Bryant still recovering from his Achilles injury, the Lakers players are looking at Gasol for guidance and resource. The Los Angeles Times spoke to Gasol about being the “glue” of this injury plagued roster.
“I don’t know about the glue, but I’m definitely the reference, I guess, until everybody’s healthy,” he said. “I’m just trying to establish myself and make sure we get through a pattern out there where everybody feels comfortable and I can be more productive.”
Even though Gasol has shown signs of aging in the past few seasons, he has been the most productive player on this team so far in three games. The big man has averaged 15.7 points, 10.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game, en route to a 1-2 record for the team.
The Lakers need Gasol to keep producing while on the court and hopefully the rest of the starters begin to pick up their numbers. The bench has been solid thus far this season, but in order for the Lakers to have a shot at the post season, players like Steve Nash and Nick Young have to help Gasol one way or another.
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