Los Angeles Lakers: Would Dwight Howard’s Absence Help Pau Gasol?

As the Los Angeles Lakers are set to fight the free agency battle for center Dwight Howard, coach Mike D’Antoni and the team’s staff are undoubtedly looking for alternate options in preparation for next season. A historic franchise that truly encompasses the “championship or bust” mentality must plan for role changes and roster additions in the possibility that Howard decides to continue his career elsewhere. Of the drastic changes that would have to be made, the play style and production of two-time NBA champion Pau Gasol stands atop of the list.

Perhaps the most important piece for the Lakers next season is the 11-year veteran, Pau Gasol. Photo Credit: Bridget Samuels, Flickr.com

The 2012-13 season for the Lakers could have been best described as “uncharacteristic.” Fighting for a playoff spot with a team full of superstars and future Hall of Famers, at no point did the team look completely healthy or in sync. One of the central reasons for the disappointing play, many believe, was the misuse of Gasol throughout the season.

The hiring of D’Antoni in November immediately threw up red flags for the talented big man, as it ensured that Gasol would be forced to operate in a high-octane, perimeter-scoring offense. Struggle after struggle began to accumulate for the team until many, including Gasol himself, publicly expressed their opinions of why he was performing in such an inefficient manner.

Having a frontcourt duo with the size and skill that general manager Mitch Kupchak grouped together, the Lakers rarely utilized their strengths last season. Sure, Howard’s play style didn’t change in the transition from the Orlando Magic to Los Angeles, but his presence in D’Antoni’s criticized system brought out the worst in Gasol. His career-low 13.7 points per game through his 49 games played last season became the direct indicator of his comfort level.

Fans that actively viewed the “New Look Lakers” would easily be able to pinpoint the issues. Steve Nash, Kobe Bryant and Metta World Peace typically spread the defense with their perimeter play, while Howard would have substantial room to operate in the paint, as well as executing pick-and-rolls to give him great opportunities. What was Pau Gasol’s main role in D’Antoni’s offensive strategy? Easy answer: Receiving the ball 16 to 23 feet away from the rim and trusting his outside shot for majority of the game.

As great as they got along, this frontcourt duo may have been one and done. Photo Credit: Bridget Samuels, Flickr.com

Technically the tallest player on the team and one of the most proven assets at the power forward position, a 7-footer that has the ability to score with either hand should be playing most of his 33.8 minutes per game underneath the rim. While people shouldn’t fail to realize that style of coaching was the bad formula for this roster, it is also imperative to understand that Howard and Gasol can’t truly co-exist with D’Antoni’s beliefs on the offensive side of the ball.

Recording his worst shooting season of his 11-year career (in terms of field-goal percentage), as well as his lowest statistical rebounding year since 2007-08 (8.6 boards per game), it’s crystal clear that Gasol was not being given the post opportunities that someone of his caliber deserves.

Critics of the  coaching hire will have to bite their tongues and hope that Gasol’s strengths are finally accounted for, as the Lakers have publicly announced they are prepared to stick with Mike D’Antoni, despite the team’s attempt to re-sign Howard. However, there is one possible solution for Gasol’s recent ineffective play. This, oddly enough, points towards the Lakers losing their star center.

How could losing Howard result in better results for Gasol and the Los Angeles Lakers?

Offensively

Whether the coaching staff is content with the decision or not, losing Howard in the free-agent market would require Pau Gasol to revert to what helped the Lakers win back-to-back championships; receiving touches in the paint. Most players and coaches around the association would rave about his ability to be one of the best passers and crafty post players out of any power forward or center in the league. Eliminating Howard from the mix would absolutely force D’Antoni’s game plan to be modified, as the only depth currently in the frontcourt includes Jordan Hill, Antawn Jamison, Earl Clark and Robert Sacre.

Kobe Bryant is well aware of Gasol’s ability to score, as well as open up opportunities for shooters with his post game. Looking back at a statement Bryant released in January enables us to envision what we may see next season:

Not pursuing any top post presences via trades at the moment, Gasol is on course to become the man in the paint once again, but must become even more physical than he has been in his career.

Defensively

This is the aspect of the game that the Lakers may fear if they are unable to retain Howard. Focusing on Gasol, it isn’t a secret that he has become a defensive liability in the past three seasons, dating back to Phil Jackson‘s displeasure with the Spaniard’s physicality in the 2011 playoffs.

In a life without their All-Star center, Gasol and the Lakers’ first priority would need to be gaining chemistry and working together on the defensive end. Ranking 22nd in points allowed is something that is a surprise to teams coached by D’Antoni. In order for Los Angeles to get back in the Western Conference hunt, however, Gasol must look to play defense comparable to what we witnessed from him in 2009-10, as well as a collective team effort on that side of the basketball.

Overall, the Lakers will have their work cut out for them once the free agency period has come and gone. With the chance of Howard settling in Houston or Dallas looking stronger by the day, it will become do-or-die for Pau Gasol to shine as the lonely interior force.