Los Angeles Lakers News: Gasol to Move to Center; Pau Now Fits Into D'Antoni's System

Last season there was a large amount of speculation surrounding forward Pau Gasol’s fate with the Los Angeles Lakers. There were reports he and Coach Mike D’Antoni were not getting along and D’Antoni was having trouble fitting Gasol into his offense.

It seems this in no longer an issue, as the Lakers have said they plan to keep the four-time all star, according to ESPNLosAngeles.com, citing a “source with knowledge of the team’s thinking.”

Since center Dwight Howard is taking his talents to Houston, Gasol will most likely move to the center position. This will allow him to fit into D’Antoni’s system.

The Lakers are not sure who will take his place at the power forward position. Barring a move to bring in a power forward—possibly Josh Smith?—to L.A., the candidates to play the four include Metta World Peace, Jordan Hill or maybe even rookie Ryan Kelly.

Gasol has played a key role at the center position before when the Lakers won the NBA Finals in 2009—beating Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic.

If Howard had stayed on with Lakers, Gasol could have been at the heart of a few possible moves. The team might have traded him to get a piece more in tune with D’Antoni’s plan or released him through the amnesty provision.

This Gasol and D’Antoni saga during the 2012-2013 season was an interesting one. There were multiple reports the former Phoenix Suns coach couldn’t really find a place for the all-star power forward. There was a time D’Antoni made him the sixth man off the bench and also wanted him to play outside of the post. At one point guard Kobe Bryant told Gasol to ignore D’Antoni and stay on the block.

With Howard gone, hopefully—for the Lakers sake—everyone gets what they want.

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