Pau Gasol and Mitch Kupchak talked after the nixed Chris Paul trade – NBA Update
Over the course of the last five years Pau Gasol has been the backbone of the Los Angeles Lakers. It was after his arrival that the Lakers managed to win a championship double in 2009 and 2010 and went on
to become the most successful team of the last decade. So when, his name appeared on the nixed Chris Paul to Lakers deal, the Spanish big was naturally disappointed.
However, contrary to popular belief Mitch Kupchak the Lakers General Manager did talk to Paul after the trade went haywire, albeit in response to a public show of resentment by the franchise talisman Kobe
Bryant.
Talking after the Lakers' shootaround in Detroit on Tuesday, Gasol said;
"I have an understanding of where things are, where they stand and where he [Mitch Kupchak] stands and where I stand. He told me to just keep doing what you do, keep playing hard and playing on and from that
point on, we'll see."
Mitch however did not put the things in black and white as far as the trade was concerned and Pau understands that if the situation arises, the Lakers front office will not hesitate to put him on the market.
"Ummm, there's always potential," he said, "because things can turn around or they're not willing to give up a certain player that they were before. You have to understand that."
The four time All Star also admitted that the one on one with Mitch went a long way in settling his nerves and helped him in concentrating on the job at hand. The combination of Gasol and Kobe is time tested
and with Andrew Bynum finally ready to deliver, the Lakers can be a team to beat for at least the next three to four years. The Lakers know that, but what they also know and what their front office is trying to counter, is a sudden slump after the Black Mamba
hangs up his boots.
Bringing in Chris Paul, who is one of the premier point guard in the league, at the cost of Gasol thus made a lot of sense. For now though, all Gasol wants is to be informed when something concrete is on the
table.
"I told him, 'When there's something real on the table, just let me know.”
Pau Gasol,
Mitch Kupchak,
Chris Paul,
NBA,
Los Angeles Lakers,
Andrew Bynum,
All Star,
Kobe Bryant
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