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Los Angeles Lakers big man Pau Gasol won't request a trade in the wake of his recent relegation to reserve duty, but it's not likely he'd accept that role beyond this season, according to Ken Berger of CBS Sports.
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Head coach Mike D'Antoni benched Gasol in favor of Earl Clark as the Spaniard proved to be ineffective in the new coach's fast-paced, uptempo system. Gasol has averaged career worsts in points (12.9) and field goal percentage (44.9 percent) this season, mostly due to getting a majority of his touches out of his comfort zone away from the basket.
Despite his struggles, he neither agrees with nor completely accepts a bench role. But he still recognizes the need to put his feelings of disappointment aside and do what's best for the team.
"Nothing's really ideal, for pretty much anyone here," Gasol said. "But it's a learning experience. Even though things are not working greatly so far, I think it's a great experience for any individual to go through. And at the end of your life, that's what you have. I want to be a part of this team and I want it to work."
The Lakers are 19-25 and currently sit in 10th place in the Western Conference. They have won two straight in the midst of both Kobe Bryant playing the role of facilitator and Gasol playing well off the bench.