Lakers to Make Pau Gasol the First Option?

Phil Jackson says he may look for Gasol to carry the Laker offense early on in the season while Kobe Bryant (and his troublesome knee) rounds into shape. From the Press-Enterprise: “The Lakers are Kobe Bryant’s team, and that’s not changing any time soon. Well, not in the long term. In the short term, with Bryant still working himself back into game shape after arthroscopic knee surgery, it’s at least conceivable that Pau Gasol could be the first option for the offense when the season opens Oct. 26. ‘Pau’s going to have to take that role, maybe, early in the season,’ Coach Phil Jackson said. ‘It takes a lot of focus and energy. We’re just preparing for the worst-case scenario, and we’re hoping he’s ready to step into that space if it’s necessary. I don’t think it’s natural, but he’s been at that level.'”