Kung Pau!
Non-sensical title, I know. But forgive me for feeling a little giddy and carefree, because I think the Lakers just did themselves quite right in this Gasol-for-Kwame/The Critter/two first rounders/Marc Gasol/Aaron McKie in name only swap. (By the way, how random is the "Marc for Pau" element? Is there something to this? Do irreconcilable differences exist between the brothers? Is Juan Carlos Navarro buddies with the entire Sly and the Family Gasol, so GM Chris Wallace is hoping that lil' bro can keep the Spanish guard happy, similar to how they brought the dude in specifically to make Pau happy?)
In my opinion, this is a great trade for the Lakers, considerably better than the play for Jason Kidd many fans clamored for. Great a player as Kidd is, the D.Fish and Farmar combo is doing a more than adequate job, making that theoretical swap totally unnecessary. Not to mention impractical, considering the Lakers are already down bigs (Andrew Bynum, Chris Mihm) and forwards (Luke Walton, Trevor Ariza), with Vlad Rad hardly 100% (or playing particularly well). To trade Lamar Odom and Kwame for Kidd does more to make the Lakers even thinner up front than actually address a legit need, even if adding a theoretical Jason Collins (who, ironically, is heading to NJ for the perennially disappointing Stromille Swift, ending a local "Worst #2 pick ever" competition). This deal, however, makes perfect sense. The Lakers pick up some seriously needed size to pick up the slack in Bynum's absence. And some highly skilled size, I might add.
For the time being, Gasol will be the Lakers starting center until Drew returns (which may be later rather than sooner, according to Ric Bucher). Yeah, he's not a huge defensive presence, but frankly, the defense has kinda sucked since Bynum has been out, so to some degree, what difference does it make? They were bound to suffer along these lines no matter who was in, so you might as well go with the better player (and I don't think it's going out on a limb to declare Pau a mite better than Kwame). Gasol can at least provide some inside scoring, a commodity desperately missed since (ironically enough) Andrew got hurt playing against Memphis at Staples on Dec. 15. Fisher told me after the Cavs loss how lacking a traditional big has thrown the offense out of whack, a matter Gasol can hopefully alleviate. He's also an upgrade over Kwame in the rebounding and passing departments, the latter making me think he'll do well in the triangle. The Spaniard on board also allows Lamar Odom to once again operate as a #3/do-it-all guy, decidedly more his comfort zone. I realize that might strike some fans as a frustrating cop out, but putting aside any "bigger and better" dreams and just dealing with reality, as we saw once Drew broke out, you can do considerably worse than LO as a third banana.
Once Bynum returns, he and Gasol become quite possibly the NBA's best frontline, at least on paper. Any shortcomings guarding the paint on Gasol's part are well covered by Drew's improved ability as a rim protector. You have a classic back-to-the-basket center and a power forward who can work down low or hit a jumper. Both require a ton of attention. Both see the floor well and can move the ball out of the post, meaning wide open jumpers from outside. And say whatever you want about LO's shortcomings as an aggressive scorer, but the dude (now playing SF) clearly has skills hitting the glass. When you're now looking at a situation where he could become the team's third best rebounder, it's safe to say loose balls could land often in Laker paws. The trio combines with Kobe (very big by shooting guard standards) to create one hell of a tall lineup. And in a perfect world with everyone healthy, Jordan Farmar, Sasha "Starting to make a believer of the K Brothers" Vujacic, Luke Walton (now in a bench role where he's better suited), Trevor Ariza, Vlad Rad (should he ever start hitting shots again), Ronny Turiaf and Chris Mihm (should he ever regain semi-form) represent some legit depth, size and versatility off the bench. If everything rounds out to form, the Lakers have a roster that could make a nice playoff run.
Any downside? I guess, but not much. Yeah, Gasol's long contract (through 2011) is expensive and he's had injuries, so it could be a long, bumpy ride if things go sour. But there are risks with any trade and the Lakers will be in cap hell for a couple seasons, anyway. If you're gonna go full speed ahead with little flexibility, it might as well be with a young, All-Star caliber PF in the fold. And yeah, Javaris Crittenton could end up a very good player. I happen to think he will. His brief court stints revealed flashes of great athletic ability and skills, plus he's a bright kid with a solid attitude. But as they say, you gotta give to get. And unless the Lakers planned on eventually playing Kobe at the 3 with a Farmar/Critter backcourt, they'd be deciding between the two at some point, anyway. I think they made the right one for now. Could the Critter end up the better player? Sure. But there's no question that Farmar is light years ahead when it comes helping right this second, and the Lakers are playing for the "right this second." If come 2012, they wouldn't mind having Javaris back but have a 15th banner to show for his absence, any retroactive pining is more than worth it.
As for Kwame, on a personal level, I'll miss the guy. He's one of the nicer dudes in the NBA, much less (formerly) on the Laker roster. Very good sense of humor, too. And to some degree, his play went occasionally under-appreciated, in terms of people not always recognizing the importance of his one-on-one post D. But to a considerably larger degree, Kwame was mostly disappointing (or exactly what you expected, depending on your cynicism). In three seasons, he may have improved a bit, but considering this is the level reached, that's not saying much. His offense remained completely unreliable (I doubt I'll ever see another 6'11" cat with less ability to make a layup), his rebounding remained ridiculously spotty, his hands remained stone-like and his feel for the game remained in neutral. Most importantly, Kwame's desire to reach greater heights remained seemingly non-existent. BK and I have always suspected Kwame's awful experience in Washington's spotlight created a desire to blend in before standing out. Maybe that's the case, maybe not. But whether seeking a low profile, blessed with more inherent athletic ability than internal motor or simply not as talented as predicted, Kwame was given a lot of opportunity in L.A. and didn't make it happen. I wish him well, because like I said, he's a very good dude. But to be honest, I'm expecting Kwame to enjoy more barbecue than increased success in Graceland.
Finally, Mom's thoughts on the deal. BK called our Laker lovin' mama and told her the news. Her reaction? She doesn't know who Pau is, but when informed Kwame was being moved, she responded with a matter of fact, "that makes sense." Gotta love Mom's ability to sum things up.
AK
I think with this we are finish from trades for a looooooong time:
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/features/traderesult?players=617~1016~3~25~575&teams=23~23~13~13~13&te=&cash=
Posted by: sherhol | February 02, 2008 at 06:27 AM
I was at work Friday when we heard the news. I told an older engineer, "Have you heard? We just traded Kwame..." when huge cheers broke out in the office. They didn't even know for who just yet.
Sure, we're going to pay a pretty large luxury tax now. If this team performs like we think and expect it to, I don't care, raise the ticket prices.
I'm still in shock: we haven't had a power forward that can shoot the ball in so long. Even as center, he won't clog the lane ala Shaq since he can step back and hit a jumper, finally keeping defenses honest against Kobe. Not that Andrew wasn't doing a fantastic job, but having another player with a soft touch around the rim is only a good thing.
Posted by: Ricky | February 02, 2008 at 06:54 AM
Immediately this has great upside over the next 2 seasons. We can win it all before Kobe has the option to terminate his contract. But on the business side, though it'll cost bust major taxes, it gives the organization big time flexibility. Odom and his big contract could be moved for several smaller pieces. Luke is expendable. Vlade is expendable. All these guys could be packaged to get one big piece. I think if we don't win this year one or two of the guys above are gone.
And as much as I love Kobe, if he does end his run as a Laker the team still would be viable with a core built on Bynum and Gasol. If Kobe wanted to walk a trade now wouldn't have to be spectacular. You wouldn't need equity.
Unless someone guys down hurt this just gives the Lakers so many options on and off the floor.
Posted by: AndyN | February 02, 2008 at 07:33 AM
Somebody pinch me .... no just whack me across the head! I must be dreaming! The best of news ... Bring on the Celestials in the Finals! I can hardly wait to see Bynum, Odom, Gasol, Kobe and Farmar on the floor together.
Posted by: Glenn | February 02, 2008 at 08:06 AM
F---cking umblievable. Where did this one come from. How awesome is this. We got rid of Kwame and Got Gosol without giving up Odom. Now we have the BIG 4- KB, AD,PGand LA plus a great bench. Boy what a shock wave we just sent to the West and NBA. The Lakers just rebuilt into a championship team and we were #1 in the west when Bynum was healthy. When he comes back look out BOSTON. We are taking over the headlines again. Go LAKER Nation.
CrzyFan
Posted by: CrazFan | February 02, 2008 at 08:24 AM
WOW ! Finally Mitch,Thanks,as a HUGE Laker fan,this is what was needed to get us to where we're trying to get,and that's on top.we have length,a great starting five and a good bench,it took a while,but I commend you on the job you've done there,hopefully when you fill the roster,they will be a couple of veteran players who have playoff experience,I haven't been this excited since the arrival of Shaq ! 3 championships,need I say more. GO LAKERS !
Posted by: MONTEZ | February 02, 2008 at 08:50 AM
LA FANS,
Pau will pour GASOLine in Kobe's fire!!!
Posted by: Mitch | February 02, 2008 at 08:53 AM
Eric M:
I guess I was so happy with the trade I got ahead of myself!
LOLOLOLOL!!!!!!
There seems to be a few more cans in the cupboard than the Lakers saw last year. They added some cans and found some more in the back!
Peace
Posted by: Peace | February 02, 2008 at 08:57 AM
Neel,
I'm with you on looking to deal Lamar for Artest. Also, I put this scenario in the trade machine and it worked: Lamar and Walton for Artest and Brad Miller. Now before you start laughing, Artest provides good defensive presence at the 3 while Miller provides a backup at center. He may not be a scoring stud but he is another big body and is serviceable as a backup. Even with Bynum back, who is our backup? We dont know what Mihm's status is and Turiaf is better suited at the 4 spot. What do you guys think?
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/features/traderesult?players=617~2027~25~556&teams=23~23~13~13&te=&cash=
Posted by: dpk | February 02, 2008 at 09:09 AM
i think the deal on the memphis side is really not that bad. the word out of europe seems to be that marc gasol is pretty good and has the potential to be very good. crittendon can also be very good. it's really more or less one additional first rounder since the lakers pick will be low and memphis' pick high. but nonetheless, it seems like memphis might not have made that bad of a move if marc gasol turns out to be good.
clearly though, i think the move was also really focused on kobe next year and keeping him around and trying to win championships. we have a logjam at guard with crittendon anyway. our starting five is probably the best and our bench is probably the best if mihm comes back healthy to take the number twelve spot. anytime you have farmar, walton, ariza, vujacic, turiaf, radmanovic, mihm coming off the bench, you know you're pretty good.
Posted by: mojorising | February 02, 2008 at 09:41 AM
CrzyFan,
You hit it right on the head. When Bynum was healthy, we managed to be the #1 team in the mighty Western Conference. You take that team, remove Kwame and add Gasol??? The sky's the limit for this team.
dpk
Posted by: dpk | February 02, 2008 at 09:43 AM
WWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOWOOOO
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWOOOOWWWWWWWWWW
OOOOOOOO
Woo. :)
Posted by: generic_one | February 02, 2008 at 10:05 AM
Let's give credit where credit is do.
Yes, Mitch did his part, but it was us bloggers that molded Mitch into the good GM he his today.
Who pointed out clearly, loudly and often, how bad Smush was and that he needed to go?
The Bloggers.
Who encouraged Mitch to send Cookie packing?
The Bloggers.
Who demanded by booing that Kwame was no longer worthy to wear the Lakers uniform?
That's right, the Bloggers.
And who reminded Mitch that we were just one player away from being a title contender?
You got it, the Bloggers.
Bloggers. Pat yourself on the back. You molded Mitch and the Lakers into an NBA powerhouse again.
Your Los Angeles Lakers: Marching to the title, one game at a time.
Posted by: AN 1 | February 02, 2008 at 10:07 AM
JustaLakerFan
It was really a choice between Javaris and Kobe.
Who would you rather have? The No. 1 superstar of today, or a maybe star of the future.
Memphis wanted JC in the deal. LA needed Pau to surround Kobe with enough talent to win championships for the next 5 years.
Crit may indeed be a star 5 years from now but hey, I wouldn't be surprised if Mitch figures out a way to get him back if that were to become the case.
Posted by: LakerinBC | February 01, 2008 at 09:34 PM
Not really, Kobe already said we were a contender with Bynum so it is not a choice between Javaris or Kobe
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JUSTA LAKERFAN,,,,,,R U EFFING CRAZY DUDE???? let me just tell ya,,,,your not a laker fan,,,,we gave up too much,,,what r u smoking,,,don't share it with any other lakers fans,,lol,,,,, we gave up maybe's, could be's , and kwame,,,for a proven commodity,,, javaris,,, effing javaris,,, i'm guessing you should probably take your phsyc-meds,,, because your brain is not functioning properly right now,,, i don't care how long you've been a laker fan,,, your just not being real bro !!!!! I say again,,, go lakerlifers!!! besides,,,,i've been a laker fan even when Sedale threatt was our number 1 option so how can i be anything but superstoked as a laker fan,,, I don't care if we traded lamar odom's mamma ,,,,this is a great trade!!!! go mitchy slick,,,,GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: lkrsrunningwild | February 02, 2008 at 12:17 AM
I have not smoked anything or taken anything like Psch meds but apparently you do! Sedale Threat bro change your diapers and get real. You were probably one of those psuedo fans that wanted to trade Bynum for Kidd or Bynum and LO for O'Neil. You would not know talent if it came and kicked your a$$.
Time and time again you hear defense wins games and you gave up JC who IMO will be better than Farmar and stop penetration which is killing us defensively for Luxuary tax offense. I like Pau to tthe Lakers but would have kept JC out of trade.
So we will get penetration and so will you in another place.
So you get a job as gm and trade LO's mom and keep taking your meds.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | February 02, 2008 at 11:29 AM
Since Jerry West left as our general manager I have been more disappointed with Mitch Kupchak than Kwame Brown and I was sick of Kwame's performance. I was one of those booing Brown. In my opinion, Brown goes in the Elton Campbell box, no "Magic/Kobe" passion for playing and winning basketball games. Glad to see Brown gone.
OK, so I was spoiled by Jerry West. And yes, I couldn't understand how a West protege wouldn't continue the Lakers tradition of outstanding trades. I have been bitching in my section of the stands about Mitch Kupchak for years. No more bitching about Mitch from me.
Mitch, I am taking it all back. If you were at center court announcing these trade, I'd be standing, clamping, hooting and howling my approval. Thank you Mitch!
Mitch, we can not maintain ourselves as a perennial power, continue our dominance with the most wins and the highest win-loss percentage in NBA history and eventually have the most championship banners in the rafters without you as an all star performer. You are more important to the Lakers' future than any player. Keep up the good work.
Jerry Buss, thank you for opening the purse strings. I know it's a business. I understand making a profit, so I really appreciate you making this type of expensive move. When we (season ticket holders) pay more for our tickets each year, we expect more each year. The show is great, but winning is what counts. You have been a great owner in years past. Many of us (fans and season ticket holders) have been fearful that you have lost your desire/focus on those championship banners in the rafters.
Kobe, whatever impact you had on getting stronger players brought in and whatever impact you have had on bringing along the younger players, I really appreciate it, thank you. No more excuses and no more complaining. It is up to you to lead this team to greatness. You have the coaching staff and players surrounding you to be winning the last NBA game of the season for a few seasons to come.
Posted by: OC Lakers Fan - 27 year season ticket holder | February 02, 2008 at 12:36 PM
Great Job Mitch!
Good Riddance Kwame "Stone Hands" I cringed everytime he touched and usually fumbled the ball. Don't let the door hit you in the ass as you stumble out.
For the long term - this is a better deal than getting Garnett last summer - since we still have Bynum.
I think this is all due to Kobe lighting a major bonfire under Mitch and Dr. Buss' butts last summer. If Kobe had just kept his mouth shut and been a "team player" these trades would never have happened.
Now lets see who we can get for Lamar "Doom" and Vlade "Badmanovitch"
Posted by: Dave Newport | February 02, 2008 at 02:33 PM
what do you guys think about trading rad man for a defensive minded player?
Posted by: drew henderson | February 02, 2008 at 06:47 PM
Great news on la la land. Next move Mitch should move is to get NJ's Richard Jefferson with Odom. Yeah, yeah,.. there are talks about getting the disgruntled Kidd and Kidd is more than ever wanting to join the Lakers, etc. But Nets' owner wants an arm and leg off the trading partner and Lakers should not go for it.
Besides, RJ makes perfect sense if (1) NJ wants to re-makeover the team, (2) RJ is a better swingman to Kobe than Odom is or will ever be, (3) RJ is a more deadly 3-pt threat than Odom and should open up Lakers' inside game and can knock down shots when Kobe or Gasol kicks out the ball, (4) Odom's offense plays like a SF style but his defense will be TOO slow for opponent teams' SFs, but RJ can fill in this gap.
Go Mitch... Go Lakers!!
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Posted by: maurice in kc | February 04, 2008 at 01:41 AM
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Posted by: maurice in kc | February 04, 2008 at 02:35 AM