When Lamar Odom found out the Lakers were trying to deal him, he pouted. And now it looks like he’s playing without any passion whatsoever in Dallas. Kobe is fearing that the constant trade rumors swirling around Pau may be impacting his performance on the court.
“I wish [Lakers] management would come out and either trade him or not trade him,” Bryant said after the Lakers’ 102-90 loss Sunday in Phoenix. “It’s just tough for a player to give his all when you don’t know if you’re going to be here tomorrow. I’d rather them not trade him at all but if they’re going to do something, I wish they would just … do it.” Bryant sympathized with Gasol, sprinkling in some expletives while talking about his situation. “If they’re not going to do it, come out and say you’re not going to do it,” Bryant said. “This way, he can be comfortable and go out and can perform and play and he can invest all of himself into the game. You can’t have one of our pillars not knowing if he’s going to be here or not. Do something. One way or another, do something.”
“He’s been the consummate professional,” Bryant said. “He’s going out and he’s trying to do what he can. But let’s be real. If you didn’t know you were going to be here tomorrow, if your head’s on the chopping block … it’s tough to put all of yourself into the game.” Gasol deserved security or clarity, Bryant said. “I just think it would help him out a lot,” Bryant said. “Help us out a lot.”
Source: LA Times
