Pau Gasol has made clear his displeasure about coming off the bench for the Los Angeles Lakers, but he's adamant that he will not ask for a trade and is committed to the team for the remainder of the season.

"Not right now," Gasol said when asked if he or anyone on his behalf would lodge a trade request before the deadline. "I don't think now is the time for that step to happen. Right now I'm very focused and committed to our team."

Beyond this season, however, Gasol doesn't believe a bench role will be OK with him.

"I think I'm a valuable asset and I want my role to be as big as it can be, within the well being of the team," Gasol said. "But I don't know if being a player that comes off the bench will be something that I'll be able to accept long term."

Statistically, Gasol has performed much better offensively in a reserve role rather than as a starter next to Dwight Howard. Gasol is averaging 12.7 points on 42.9 percent shooting as a starter but 14.2 points on 57.1 percent shooting in five games off the bench.