D’Antoni wishes Gasol had kept comments in house
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) – Los Angeles Lakers coach Mike D’Antoni says he understands the frustration that led to critical comments from Pau Gasol, but wishes the star center would not have lashed out publicly.
D’Antoni addressed Gasol’s comments before Wednesday’s night game against the Memphis Grizzlies. He said much of the frustration comes with losing and a change in the team’s style of play.
Following Tuesday night’s 118-98 loss at Indiana, Gasol, the Lakers’ leading scorer, criticized the club for a lack of discipline and expressed frustration with Los Angeles using smaller lineups.
Gasol mentioned everything from selfish play to D’Antoni’s offense as problems.
The Lakers had lost two straight and six of seven going into Wednesday night. Injuries to Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash and others have left Los Angeles with the worst record in the Western Conference.
Gasol was not immediately available for comment before the game.
