"Long after the Lakers finished fumbling their playoff opener, Pau Gasol stayed on a table in the trainer's room, flat on his back, eyes closed.

There was plenty to ponder.

He picked a bad time to be more white swan than black swan, to steal Kobe Bryant's comparison earlier this season.

Gasol was outscored by Aaron Gray, outhustled by Carl Landry and reminded to take better care of his on-court business after the Lakers' stunning 109-100 loss Sunday to New Orleans.

"It's one and two, it's me and him," Bryant said. "We get all the praise when things go our way and you get all the blame when things don't. It's part of the seats we sit in."

Gasol's Game 1 seat was the equivalent of a rickety, weather-beaten rattan.

He finished with eight points, six rebounds, a bloody cut under his left eye and some even nastier comments from incredulous Lakers fans as the clock wound down at Staples Center.

"Way to go Gasol. Nice game buddy," yelled one.

"Six points? Come on Gasol. Seriously," yelled another before Gasol scored a late basket to finish two for nine from the field."