Magic Johnson: Pau Gasol felt mistreated
By Jacob Rude
Despite remaining incredibly classy and professional throughout the entirety of his tenure in LA and the free agency process, Pau Gasol never recovered from constant trade talk, criticism, and mis-use, all according to Magic Johnson.
Yesterday, Magic said he had a long conversation w/ Pau Gasol before he ultimately made his decision to continue career in Chicago
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) July 30, 2014
Magic: "He (Pau) was really hurt by the way he was treated." Specifically how he was mis-used last year, "He could never get over that."
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) July 30, 2014
Johnson talked with the media yesterday following Byron Scott‘s press conference and revealed the conversation that the two former Lakers shared. Gasol was constantly in the middle of trade talks despite being a vital part of three Finals runs. He was apart of the vetoed Chris Paul trade, and was seemingly moments away numerous times from being dealt, most recently this past February when the Cleveland Cavaliers and Lakers were deeply engaged in talks.
On top of that, Gasol was the victim of much criticism from fans and even his own head coach Mike D’Antoni. After being cast into a role unsuitable for his play style, D’Antoni criticized Gasol in the media in his first season in LA. His benching later in the season didn’t help matters, and while the two remained civil throughout, the war of words carried on into last season.
Rather predictably, Gasol did not return to the Lakers, both due to his treatment and his eagerness to join a contender, which the Lakers are not. Still, the general consensus is that Gasol will be back in the Staples Center one day, likely to have his jersey retired and hung in the rafters at the end of his career.
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