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04:00 PM ET 12.20 | Pau Gasol will forever be the source of trade speculation so long as he's a productive Laker. Whether it's the Lakers themselves looking to unload one of their few trade worthy pieces or other teams calling with offers, it is inevitable. That said Gasol's uncertain status can't make for a convenient excuse for Mike D'Antoni to throw in the towel on trying to figure out ways to get both Pau and Dwight Howard working on the same court at the same time for the same team. You see before D'Antoni arrived here in Los Angeles a certain former coach who will not be named was able to figure out a championship formula utilizing both Gasol and a certain other former Lakers big man on the court at the same time. Are you following me? When D'Antoni took the gig he knew the roster he was inheriting. So it's not like it was some shock on the first day when he's trying to install his run-and-fun system when two skilled seven-footers strolled into the gym. That he still doesn't have an effective plan in place says a lot. When Mitch Kupchak sought out to acquire Howard, he did so with the intention of moving only one of his two bigs. Andrew Bynum was moved while Gasol stayed in place. That was intentional despite the previous Chris Paul flirtation that momentarily shipped Pau to Houston. So it's obvious that no matter who was going to coach the Lake Show, the Gasol-Howard combo was part of the deal. What's not so clear is what D'Antoni's plan is for getting the most of his twin towers.

Pau Gasol and Dwight Howard, Getty Images/ Andrew D. Bernstein/

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December 21, 2012 01:48 AM ET

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QUOTE(#1):

Originally posted 01:36 AM ET 12.21 by It Wasn't Me

The 'Twin Towers' may work in limited minutes but not the whole game. Quicker, younger teams run against the Fakeshow and it's clear that Gasol has problems keeping up. I like how the Lakers pulled Howard towards the end of the fourth quarter and put him back in right around the 2 minute mark. Gasol may be useful to counter the hack a howard defense but his free throw shooting is a bit suspect as well.

Gasol not a good free throw shooter??? come on dude??? he's a 75 % career shooter and has shot over 80% 3 times in his career... for a 7 footer that is pretty darn good for a big man.. the problem is this coach is one dimensional and does not know any other style but the run and gun... D'Antoni was a horrible hire for the Lakers.. another dumbassss move by Jim Buss

Dogue-dude

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December 21, 2012 04:37 AM ET

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** IMO start Gasol and bring Howard off the bench with Meeks and Jamison. In crunch time keep Gasol on the floor and have Howard on the bench because of his terrible free throws, there you have it problem solved.

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December 21, 2012 09:41 AM ET

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I never heard of a dumb coach actually being able to do somethin smart. Dumbtoni wit his dumb ass couldn't figure out the Knicks with all the talent he had while he was there, so how in the hell is he going to figure out how to use a perrenial ball hogging gunslinger and two big men to work cohesively together? This moron will be looked upon as the fool he really is when his ass get canned this time around. Hey Jimmy Boy Buss, how's you imput and meddling working out fa ya now buddy?........Apple!

All about the Apple

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December 21, 2012 10:21 AM ET

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Maybe D'Antoni has a plan and maybe he doesn't. It could be the plan is "on hold" until Nash returns. I agree with the article in that it asks the question why D'Antonii would take the job knowing full well the personnel he had.

Certainly Phil had a plan, as he had won with Kobe, Gasol, Metta, Bynum and Fisher. I don't see any smaller chance of winning under Phil with Kobe, Gasol, Metta, Howard and Nash.

Red Mamba

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December 21, 2012 10:38 AM ET

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Do What You Get Paid For, Bro!

I Love LA

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December 21, 2012 01:58 PM ET

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QUOTE(#1):

Originally posted 01:36 AM ET 12.21 by It Wasn't Me

The 'Twin Towers' may work in limited minutes but not the whole game. Quicker, younger teams run against the Fakeshow and it's clear that Gasol has problems keeping up. I like how the Lakers pulled Howard towards the end of the fourth quarter and put him back in right around the 2 minute mark. Gasol may be useful to counter the hack a howard defense but his free throw shooting is a bit suspect as well.

there's only 1 true twin towers; robinson/duncan. best ever.

erp2

Los Angeles, CA

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December 21, 2012 10:11 PM ET

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Lakers are missing a pf that can stretch the floor and another guard to push the pace like Nash. If they can't find a big that can shoot from the three point line in, the offense will not work. Lakers just not built for this.