Los Angeles Lakers head coach Mike D’Antoni said that big man Pau Gasol is back to playing at an “All-Star level” following two solid outings, according to Lakers beat reporter Mike Trudell via Twitter.
Gasol has completely flipped the script from a shooting perspective, making 16-of-21 attempts from the floor in his past two games (76.2 percent). The Spaniard had a 16-point, 10-rebound game in a loss against the Atlanta Hawks, and a 21-point, nine-rebound performance on Tuesday against his former team the Memphis Grizzlies.
The 33-year-old veteran has traded barbs with Coach D’Antoni this season, claiming that he’s been underutilized, according to Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times.
“When I’m not getting the ball where I want to, where I’m most effective, where I can bang guys and utilize my skill, that affects my aggressiveness and overall intensity,” Gasol said.
To which D’Antoni responded, “Everybody, to a man, we’ve just got to play harder and worry about things less.”
Perhaps Gasol decided to take D ...
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Article written by Ben Leibowitz
Mike D’Antoni: Pau Gasol Back to Playing at an ‘All-Star Level’
December 17th, 2013 by Ben Leibowitz Leave a reply »
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