Pau Gasol won’t join Kevin Garnett critics…and more Lakers notes

While so many have lined up to take their shots at Garnett, don’t expect Lakers forward Pau Gasol  to join the chorus. Gasol and Garnett have battled throughout their careers, including two Finals matchups. Gasol, who is in town for tomorrow night’s game at the Garden, has been surprised by all of the negative talk directed at Garnett recently.

“I don’t know why he’s being so openly discussed,” Gasol said after today’s practice at Emerson College. “He’s been playing this way his whole career. Is it shocking? No, it’s what he brings to the table. I think he’s gotten what he’s gotten thanks to this style of play and his attitude about it. I have no complaints whatsoever.”

Gasol and Garnett are different and effective in their own way. There aren’t many personal feelings involved in the matchups.

“We respect each other and that’s been about it,” Gasol said. “It’s not like we run into each other often at all off the court. It’s not like we have that chance.”

Kobe Bryant spoke about Ray Allen, who needs two 3-pointers to set the NBA career record:

“I think it’s unbelievable,” Bryant said. “I think it’s a good message for kids that are coming after us. The preparation that he puts in, the time that he puts in – this hasn’t happened by accident. He puts in a lot of work. I’m very happy for him. We came in the league at the same time so for him to still be playing at a high level is a testament to how hard he works.”

Lakers coach Phil Jackson isn’t being swept away by Allen’s pursuit of Reggie Miller in the record books.

“I get kind of a kick out of it because we don’t really celebrate 2-point baskets, but somehow or other the 3-point basket has now become a really big thing,” Jackson said. “I guess because there’s so many 2-point field goals. Reggie is going to be here (as a television analyst), Ray’s going to be here so it’s kind of like one stepping over the other at that time so that’s pretty cool.”