Kobe Bryant vs. Pau Gasol: Can You Blame Kobe for Pau's Mediocrity?

I knew the Los Angeles Lakers were nearing desperation mode, and forward Pau Gasol's comments regarding the Lakers interior offense, or lack of, proves it.

Gasol recently told the OC Register that he feels the Lakers inside game is underutilized, and to illustrate his point, Pau made references to the Orlando Magic and Indiana Pacers who have each beaten the Lakers this season.

“As I mentioned the last game, Orlando goes to their interior game and I don’t think Dwight Howard is that much (more) talented than me and Andrew in the post. Indiana used their post game with (Roy) Hibbert and (David) West. I don’t think they’re much more talented than we are. Why don’t we? I think it's always an effective way to play the game.”

What Gasol failed to mention in the above comment is both the Magic and the Pacers have point guards that are committed to getting their big men the ball, while the Lakers continue to rely on the ancient Derek Fisher.

Gasol also didn't mention what role, if any, teammate Kobe Bryant plays in the Lakers' dilemma.

Many people marveled over Kobe's recent four-game string of 40 point games at the age of 33, but underneath the glowing numbers there was also some justified reason for concern.

During that streak, Kobe attempted more shots from the field than Gasol and Bynum combined in each game except one, which is not coincidentally a stat that mirrors the Lakers season through 18 games.

So far, Kobe has attempted 446 shots from the field compared to 403 shots for Bynum and Gasol combined.

That disparity is even more curious when you consider Bynum and Gasol shoot 53.2 and 50.9 percent from the field respectively, compared to Kobe's 45 percent from the field.

Gasol and Bynum are much more efficient from the field than Bryant when given scoring opportunities, but unfortunately both players have to rely on help from the perimeter to get those scoring chances.

Should Kobe be held responsible for the lack of touches for Gasol and Bynum in the paint? Yes, and no.

Kobe is the Lakers leader and their best player, and in that role he should understand how to maximize the team's biggest advantage, which is not Kobe jacking up shots from the perimeter.

But ultimately the majority of blame lies with head coach Mike Brown, the Lakers' inability to sign a competent point guard and Gasol himself.

Brown's dribble-drive motion offense is predicated on penetration from the perimeter with the intention of creating easy scoring opportunities at the rim.

When executed to perfection, Bynum and Gasol would get numerous open looks at the basket as a result of opposing defenses collapsing on the Lakers ball-handler.

It didn't take Brown long to realize that neither Fisher or backup point guard Steve Blake excel at dribble penetration, but that issue doesn't necessarily prevent Brown's offense from being successful.

Brown's offense could still work if it was based on a steady diet of interior post passes with the intention of scoring, but instead Brown has opted to play a high-low scheme with Bynum in the paint, and Gasol mostly on the elbow, or the area on either edge of the free-throw line.

Gasol's playmaking ability has thrived in the role as evidenced by his 10 assists against Indiana, but the scheme has also turned him into a jump-shooter.

Gasol can shoot consistently from at least 15 feet, but when he is on the perimeter the Lakers size advantage is neutralized.

And Gasol doesn't help matters by failing to attack the basket off the dribble or crashing the boards when a teammate attempts a shot.

Most of Gasol's rebounds this season have been more a result of his size than his talent, and when he does go to the rim on offense or defense, it is in the same passive, weak manner that Lakers fans have grew accustomed to.

Gasol's comments about the Lakers offense certainly holds some truth, and I can accept the theory that Kobe shares some blame as his number of shots from the field would indicate.

But can you really blame Kobe for being a shooting guard rather than a point guard? By description, Kobe's position is based on scoring, and until Brown changes the scheme or the Lakers sign a point guard, the Lakers will be a mediocre team.

In last night's win over the Clippers, Gasol was assertive and aggressive and finished with 23 points, 10 rebounds and four assists in what is arguably his best performance of the season thus far.

Kobe also only attempted 17 shots from the field which means that maybe Gasol's comments had an effect on him after all.

I give credit to Gasol for addressing an obvious team concern in a vocal manner, which is something contrary to his timid nature. But I would really be impressed if Gasol's words can inspire his play on a consistent basis.