The high-fives soon turned into cold shoulders. The pats on the head suddenly stopped. The encouraging words turned argumentative.
Although there were several issues plaguing last year's Lakers teams, perhaps the most disturbing one involved the dynamic between Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol. As the Lakers' season came to a close in their Game 5 loss against Oklahoma City, the two were visibly frustrated and constantly argued with each other. It provided yet another reminder that things have changed since Gasol became the complementing force Bryant needed to ensure three consecutive NBA Finals appearances and two championships after the departure of Shaquille O'Neal. The image served as a possible reminder that this once fruitful relationship could end during a busy and uncertain offseason.
Gasol conceded two weeks ago in an email to The Times that there are "no guarantees" on whether he will remain a Laker. But with the Steve Nash acquisition, the Lakers don't need to dangle Gasol to upgrade at point guard. The Lakers' ongoing talks with Dwight Howard involve Andrew Bynum as the trade's centerpiece. So there's a strong possiblity Gasol will still stay in Los Angeles.
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