The sad thing with LA is that Pau Gasol, when utilized correctly, may be their most important player.
The man can post up, nail the mid-range J, play good defense, and pass as good as any skilled Big out there.
And he will probably be dealt this summer.
When he is traded, he'll make some team VERY good with his skillset. That team will hopefully make Pau the number 1 or 2 option, where he'll put up numbers around 20 pts, 9-10 rebs, 3-4 assists, 1-2 blocks.
Exactly. I feel like Pau makes 4-8 seeds into contenders.
Pau needs a new start though. When I watch him play these days, it's like he's playing afraid to make a mistake because of Kobe and it p---es me off. It makes me hate Kobe more b/c he sucks at supporting/dealing with teammates and it makes me really want to see Pau go somewhere that doesn't have a narcissistic showoff like Kobe where Pau's game will be free flowing. His offensive skillset is TOO good for him not to dominate, but since Kobe's ego won't allow Pau to be option A, Pau doesn't have the chance to be their "most important player".
Kobe without Gasol = 34 win team.... lotto.
Gasol without Kobe = 50 win team... playoffs
Gasol with Kobe = 2 titles.
I honestly feel like Gasol was the MVP during the 2010 title run. I didn't bother watching the 2009 title run, so I can't really comment on it. I just know that Gasol owned the Celtics in that 2010 series and Kobe was an afterthought. I'd be happy to see them trade Gasol if it downgrades them. Unfortunately, the rest of the league seems to be aware of how much value Gasol has.
Agreed. Living in Hawaii, I get to watch all of the Lakers home games on Fox Sports West. Gasol shoulders much of the blame, unfortunately, for Kobe's shortcomings. He did have somewhat of a down year production-wise this year under Mike Brown, but I don't think he's on a significant decline yet. He makes Bynum significantly better with his big-to-big passing, gets the Lakers easy points around the hoop on putbacks and deep post position, and is still a terrific rebounder.
Once Pau is dealt out of LA, only then will they realize just how important Pau is and was to their success. Laker fans will get the disappointment they deserve.
On a side note, it also makes me laugh that the Lakers can't buy their way to championships as easily anymore under the new CBA. Enjoy feeding an overrated Bryant his humongous salary over the next few years. I look forward to more crybaby antics from Bynum and looks of disappointment on Kobe's face after they lose in yet again in round 2 in next years playoffs.
Topic: La Lakers are in a bad position (Read 6406 times)