Los Angeles Lakers coach Mike D’Antoni has relegated center Pau Gasol to coming off the bench — permanently.
Forward Earl Clark will replace Gasol in the lineup for the foreseeable future, D’Antoni said Monday night before the Lakers played the Bulls in Chicago.
Gasol has missed time this season because of injuries, including a concussion, and has played inconsistently when he’s healthy.
D’Antoni is looking for a smaller, quicker player to complement center Dwight Howard. Clark is more suited to that role.
As for Gasol, who has expressed displeasure in the past about coming off the bench, D’Antoni said they discussed the decision.
“That’s life. He understands,” D’Antoni said.