Mike D’Antoni doesn’t want to hear complaints from Pau Gasol

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Every once in a while, Pau Gasol complains about not getting enough touches in the post.

Lakers Coach Mike D’Antoni had a suggestion for him -- and any other Lakers player who didn’t like their role in his offense.

“Everybody, to a man, we’ve just got to play harder and worry about things less,” he said Friday. “That’s one thing, if they just don’t want to do it that way. Then you have to accept it or not. But there’s no reason to not play hard.”

Gasol told the Los Angeles Times on Thursday that his poor play on the court -- averages of 14.4 points a game, 41.4% shooting -- was a result of being underutilized.

“When I’m not getting the ball where I want to, where I’m most effective, where I can bang guys and utilize my skill, that affects my aggressiveness and overall intensity,” Gasol said.

D’Antoni said Gasol would “get through it.”

“The message is the same to everybody -- just play hard and we’ll figure it out,” D’Antoni added. “If you don’t play hard, it’s hard to figure out because you don’t know what works and what doesn’t. I think everybody has the same message and we keep beating it in during practice. Every film session we show them what we want and hopefully they’ll do it.”

The Lakers (10-11) are 0-2 since Kobe Bryant returned from a torn Achilles’ tendon. They start a four-game road trip Friday against Oklahoma City.

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