Kobe Bryant became the franchise’s all-time leading scorer on Monday night — passing Jerry West — but the Lakers lost to the Grizzles, and Bryant may have lost Pau Gasol's respect as well.
Gasol, like many Lakers players, congratulated Bryant on his historic achievement, but the power forward also hinted that Bryant's pursuit of West's record may have distracted the team.
"I’m proud of him — I congratulate him," Gasol told The Orange County Register after the game. "Now we can focus on winning games again."
There is little doubt that Bryant and Gasol have a better relationship than Bryant's previous star teammate, Shaquille O'Neal. However, Bryant's need for the ball limits Gasol's offensive touches. As a result, Gasol may be moving closer to the boiling point O'Neal reached before his departure from the Lakers.
Gasol did not blame Bryant for Monday's loss, but pointed out a specific reason for the team’s unfavorable result.
"Obviously, we’re not making a concerted effort at pounding the ball inside," Gasol told The Orange County Register. “It happens often.”
We all remember how the O'Neal-Bryant relationship ended. Lakers fans are hoping Bryant and Gasol work out their differences to avoid a similar conclusion.
