Biggest news of Friday?
a) The 121-101 blow out win over the Raptors in Toronto.
b) The acquisition of Pau Gasol for Kwame Brown, Javaris Crittenton, draft picks, "Aaron McKie," and the other Gasol.
c) DJ Mbenga getting a second 10 day contract.
If you're a fan of Mexican food, and in particular, tacos, the answer would be a strong, definitive "c." But in reality, the order probably goes c, a, b. With The Congo's Favorite Son now addressed, we move on to the game. Given that they just played 24 hours earlier in Detroit, the roster was now even shorter and a lot of dudes (particularly Kobe Bryant) logged big minutes against the Pistons, a loss became easy to picture. But instead, the team came out fired up and focused, with most everyone chipping in their two cents' worth (particularly Kobe Bryant). The 46 points racked by The Mamba placed him third on the NBA's all time "40 club entrants" list (tied with some "Elgin" character), a performance that tickled the purple and gold fans north of the border. Those rooting Lakers would all pop a copy of "Strange Brew" and crack open a Molson in honor of this box score.
And now, the trade. To say the least, a bold move by the Lakers, one that comes 100% "Kobe Bryant Approved" and clearly is "advantage Lakers" when it comes to the talent on hand. The seven footer and one-time All-Star should offer immediate and significant help putting up points inside and collecting rebounds, both items severely missed while Andrew Bynum's been on the shelf. Is the Spaniard enough to turn the Lakers into rock stars, as Lamar Odom predicted? Well, aside from Gasol's deficiencies as an inside banger, on paper (at least the kind that doesn't log payroll numbers), it's hard not to think of this as a slam dunk deal for the Lakers. It might not be enough to make Kobe say he's staying, but he's at least inferring it, which is a start. Regardless of whether this deal preempts a move involving J.Kidd.
What do the Griz get out of it? Well, they lose Gasol's hefty salary while rebuilding. In Crittenton, they see a ton of potential (even while acknowledging that either The Critter, Mike Conley Jr or Kyle Lowry will eventually become tantalizing trade bait themselves) And in Brown, they see a whoppin' expirin' contract... and little else, according to the shockingly blunt Chris Wallace. Welcome to Memphis, Kwame. Plus, the veteran leadership of Aaron McKie (who taught these youngsters a thing or two about how lucrative not officially announcing a retirement can be).
Here's an NBA scout's take on Gasol as a Laker. The official Yahoo! opinion is that he's triangle-friendly. ESPN endorse the move. Sportshubla.com is also offering thumbs up and hands triumphantly heavenward. The Sporting News (not affiliated with Sportshubla) thinks the Laker lineup is awesome. Hell, even the Utah Jazz begrudgingly admit this deal helps the Lakers.
OLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
welcome PAU GASOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL
Posted by: | February 02, 2008 at 11:36 AM
Tacos!
Did anyone catch the worthy spin? Good stuff by James Worthy.
Most papers, even I will say we're missing out on defense. Not so much Kwame of course.
But with the defense Ronny played yesterday. I think we'll be all right. He absolutely took out Chris Bosh. And as his all-star ads will tell you, that's not an easy thing.
Go Ronny!
Go Lakers! Go Pau!
Posted by: Faith | February 02, 2008 at 11:38 AM
That was a great game to watch, it reminded me of Kobe 4 years ago.
He really likes to whoop on the Raptors!
Have a good weekend all!
Derek &
Kobe &
Lamar &
Pau &
Andrew
Posted by: Laker Legacy | February 02, 2008 at 11:43 AM
Laker Nation – Wake up to a new day. It wasn’t a dream!
1. K bros – I’m thinking you guys need to hire more clowns to monitor this blog. I have a feeling it’s about to explode, especially when 17 gets back.
2. I originally asked the question, last night, about 17’s injury comments Bucher made on the four letter.com. It got some good debate going and good input from BK. One of the things I’m always struck with when a big deal goes down like this is how no one knew about it. We talk all we want about trade this player for that, but did you notice that the trades that are talked about most don’t happen. It’s the trades no one talks about that usually develop. What so called expert talking head out there saw the Gasol trade coming? That just shows that these talking heads don’t know as much as we given credit for and the blogers here can do their flippin jobs. To answer my own question from yesterday – Bucher KNOWS NOTHING of consequence.
3. I don’t know what all the trade talk about LO is – but Laker Nation needs to chill. We talked for years how LO is a natural 3, now we have a 4 so we can slide him over, and you want to ship him out? Check yourselves.
4. I don’t know what all the talk is about being weaker defensively. In my opinion shot blocking is much more important than playing straight up defense on the block. When 17 went out, the Lakers continuously were burn by penetration – even though there was some thought that Kwame was a better post defender – the defense suffered without a true shot blocker. It’s penetration that allows uncontested shots. We’re getting a guy who shot blocks with the best of them. When 17 comes back the key is closed for business – Game over.
Posted by: HmrHed | February 02, 2008 at 11:43 AM
Credit to Mitch Kupchak for his vision and patience.
In a KCAL interview he called the rebuilding of a team a “slow glacier”. That’s how you build a franchise.
We gave up a lot in Shaq but after 3 and a half seasons,we have filled the void and then some:
Lamar Odom – directly through Shaq trade
Andrew Bynum -- high, risky draft pick after a bad first Shaq-less season
Pau Gasol – Through trades of Butler for Kwame, Kwame for Gasol, and good draft pick
Sounds like a sufficient tradeoff to me. Along with them, Kupchak used the draft and conservative trades to pick up Jordan Farmar, Ronny Turiaf and Trevor Ariza. Derek Fisher fell in his lap and Mitch pounced.
Kuptchak has addressed every need Kobe could possibly have by surrounding him with shooters, passers and low-post players. Things are getting interesting in Lakerland…
Kudos, Kupchak! GO LAKERS!
Posted by: particle man | February 02, 2008 at 11:44 AM
Yes, Ronny is a helluva secondary defender.
All this talk about Pau being soft in the middle... did you not think Kwame was "soft" in the middle? It's not like he was shutting down the paint..
that is, unless you count him shutting down the OFFENSIVE paint
Gasol can't be any worse than Kwame on defense, and he brings tons more on offense. A huge upgrade in the middle that WILL keep us afloat until Socks get back.
People, when we were healthy, we could have contended with tthe Spurs. It was only the Celts that made us look like a second tier team... now with Gasol???
Sure, we will be better next season, but we have a legit shot this year if all the players get on the same page.
Stranger things have happened.... Drexler went to Houston and a few months later they won the title.
It can happen.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 02, 2008 at 11:44 AM
Daily Dime has one of the best takes on trade. In fact, it looks like Stein is trying to refute some of Ric Buchers points.
http://proxy.espn.go.com/nba/dailydime?page=dime-080202-03
Posted by: AN 1 | February 02, 2008 at 11:48 AM
AK/BK-
In order for Gasol to play Sunday not only does he have to pass his physical in L.A. today, but Kwame and Critter also have to pass their physicals in Memphis before Gasol can play. Do you know if Kwame and Critter are schedule to get their physicals passed?
Posted by: ajax | February 02, 2008 at 11:49 AM
Pau wow wow!
Posted by: MoreGoldLessPurple | February 02, 2008 at 11:57 AM
Faith,
Honestly, I wouldn't worry too much about the defense, at least in terms of directly from losing Kwame.
For starters, the defensive improvement this season wasn't due nearly as much to Kwame (even acknowledging his one on one post D) as Bynum blossoming. It's not even a debate. Thus, until Andrew comes back, as we've seen, the D isn't likely to be as strong in any event. But Gasol is a better shot blocker and rebounder, which are aspects of defense.
And he also is a huge upgrade offensively, which should actually help the D. They were having such a hard time setting up any kind of balanced offense, which was often leading to bad, forced shots, turnovers and transition D. Hopefully, being able to run a smooth offense will help cut down on this issue.
Also, once Bynum returns, he can cover for Gasol on some level. And we'll likely see LO slide to the 3, where's he's a defensive upgrade over Walton, so the D does get helped along those lines. Plus, Drew returned, unless Kwame was developed a jumper (not likely), he would go back to the bench, anyway. I doubt he and Drew were gonna be used together in big minutes to fortify the D, anyway. Thus, if you had to choose between a team with Kwame coming off the bench or Pau Gasol starting, I think the decision is pretty obvious.
All in all, it's pretty hard to argue that this trade doesn't make the Lakers considerably better.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | February 02, 2008 at 11:57 AM
Any word yet from Gasol's or Kwame's take on the trade? How crazy would it be for the Lakers to resign Kwame next year for about 4 mil? Could be very possible.
Posted by: fkillah | February 02, 2008 at 12:05 PM
What a great day to be a Laker Fan!
I just can't get over it, I never would have expected such a move would ever be possible. With all the heat that Mitch Kupchak and the organization took for the Shaq trade and the subesequent result of Shaq getting a ring elsewhere. All the way to this past year where all the discussion was about Kobe's B.S. and trading Bynum and Odom for...Jermaine O'neal. That trade talk kept me away from the blog for a while, I was pretty mad about that. I just want to say that at this point it was all worth it. Now is the time for the team to get healthy and get some synergy and make title runs for the next 3 years at least.
If you could be asked last year if you would take a team with KG, Kobe and Pieces or Kobe - L.O. - Bynum - and Gasol not too many would choose the former, I know that I wouldn't.
P.S. Seriously, its kind of sad to see what Mike T. has degraded into. Come on man, let the Kwame thing go and just be regular fan. You don't have anything to prove here. You used to have some pretty good takes a few years ago.
Posted by: The Original Ken | February 02, 2008 at 12:06 PM
I don't know why there's all the trade talk about Lamar Odom. The only reason I can see that we would trade him, is the luxury tax and Buss not wanting to pay up.
L.O. may not be very consistent, but on any given night, if he doens't give you 15-20 points, he will give you 10-15 rebounds, or 5-10 assists. He is not a one dimensional player. If he doesn't give you the points, he will contribute in a different category.
Another thing, he is versatile. He can play at both forward positions, as well as bring the ball upcourt. Should we have any more injuries at the 3 and 4, or even the 2 spot, L.O. has the ability to play a little bit of all 3 positions.
If we do trade Lamar, for anyone, chances are it won't be a straight up trade. We'll have to throw in someone else, too. At this point, we would only be thinning out our roster. And one of our biggest strengths this season has been our bench.
When we do get healthy, Lamar can finally move back to his true position at the 3. That's where he plays at his best. Furthermore, he will not be the first, second OR third scoring option. What he will be is a role player. Which we NEED to win a championship. Look at San Antonio. They have their stars, but the reason that they are champions is because of their role players. Look at the three-peat Lakers. They had Fish, Horry, George, Fox, and all those guys. We can't trade one of our biggest contributers, as a role player, for someone like Ron Artest, who is just a big ego, and a cancer on any team he's been on.
The problem with Lamar is that everyone, including himself, has expected him to be an all-star, which is just setting ourselves up for disappointment. He's not an all-star. He probably never will be. He has the potential, but he will probably never capitalize on it, which can be very frustrating. We just need to accept him for what he is. A role player. And a damn good one, at that.
If we do trade him, and I hope we don't, it should be over the summer. We have a very good roster for the rest of the year. Especially when we get Bynum and Ariza back. Making any more trades this year, would only mess up our team chemistry and thin out our roster. We don't want to change our team from this point forward. There's no reason for any more trades. Don't fix it if it ain't broken
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: gokobego | February 02, 2008 at 12:11 PM
NA NA NA NAAAA....
NA NA NA NAAAA.....
MIKE T.....
GOODBYE
NA NA NA NAAAA.....
NA NA NA NAAAA....
KWAME BROWN....
GOODBYE
NA NA NA NAAAA...
NA NA NA NAAA.....
MIKE T.......
GOODBYE
NA NA NA NAAAA......
NA NA NA NAAAA.....
KWAME BROWN.......
GOODBYE
DOO BEEE DOOO BEEE DOOOOO
Posted by: Stranger in the Night | February 02, 2008 at 12:12 PM
People are getting confused.
Slow glacier & Shaq trade.
Let's revist how Kupchak earned his nickname:
This is the first year we aren't paying Brian Grant.
We traded away our best piece of the Shaq trade, Butler
We drafted Farmar with the Heat's pick.
Lamar was Mitch's first option in the trade for Gasol.
As it stands:
Shaq in good enough condition to win a title for:
Butler, gone
Grant, gone
Lamar, soon to be gone
Farmar.
That's a rip off... and by rip off, it was the second trade that cost us Butler.
What made Gasol wasn't that we gave up Butler and got Brown, it was an expiring contract.
Lamar a "natural" three?
Please.
To play a 3 spot, you sort of need a perimeter game.
Does Lamar have a "natural" perimeter game?
Then enough of this gibberish. Lamar is here today, but will likely be gone tomorrow (next season at some point). He's not our best 3, and he's not even our best 4 (Ronny is better & Gasol is better if we put him there).
It is only through acquisition and these latest Ariza & Gasol trade that Kupchak has redeemed himself... and I'm very thankful as all of you are also.
But let's not get it twisted... we would have gotten rid of Kwame regardless... Vlad is oft injured (I still like him)... but losing Critter was an actual loss IN THE LONG RUN, SLOW GLACIER STYLE.
Lamar will be an afterthought soon.
I love him... but he won't be around too long without a big time pay cut after next season, and he cannot play the 3 very well at all. He just can't.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 02, 2008 at 12:12 PM
Voy a jugar con muchas ganas y con mucho corazon!!!!!
-Pau-
Posted by: Pau Gasol | February 02, 2008 at 12:22 PM
I do think we're strengthened. All I'm saying is...contrary to what Heisler is saying mostly...we're better off.
Especially since Ronny's learning a little bit of one-on-one D from Kwame. He absolutely shut down Chris Bosh. Keep in mind that the last time we played them (with Kwame, I believe), Bosh was money.
Plus like Phoenix, I think Pau is underrated defensively. The dude is an awesome shot blocker, not a bad rebounder, and though he's not exactly one I would chose to guard the Yaos, Duncan's...that wouldn't be his job anyways. That would be Drew's.
Oh please god tell me Luke will no longer start! I think it would incite a riot now lol.
All in all good day in Lakerville. Certainly riding cloud nine.
Posted by: Faith | February 02, 2008 at 12:24 PM
Another perplexed Memphis fan:
Wait a minute...are you freaking KIDDING me??? We've been shopping Pau Gasol for a year, and the best we can get for him is Kwame Brown?? KWAME BROWN???
Mike T. would be proud...
Posted by: LakerFan in Seattle | February 02, 2008 at 12:26 PM
Tim-4-Show,
The great thing about this trade is that it tells LO directly, shape out or ship out.
He's gotta learn to go right, and he's gotta be more consistent in his jumpers. Not to mention defense and decision making.
Why? Because the onus will be on him for playing time. I 'm sure Phil will have no problem playing Trevor his minutes if he stinks.
That said, I'm just happy that we don't have to worry about who we put out there in injury scenarios like we're at now. We're that much better that with Bynum down we can still roll. With LO down, we got reinforcements. No more 2nd unit players starting! Hooray!
Posted by: Faith | February 02, 2008 at 12:29 PM
Tim-4-Show,
"He's not our best 3, and he's not even our best 4"
Okay. Then who has been our best 3? Luke? Vlad? I don't think you can label Ariza our best small forward after only seeing him play like 20 games off the bench. He is a good defender and a good cutter on the offensive end. He is a pretty good player off the bench, but not much more.
Lamar has great court vision, very versatile, and is an okay defender. He's not consistent as far as points go, but he can contribute in other ways. He is basically a guaranteed 8-12 rebounds per game. If he doesn't get his points or rebounds, he is capable of getting around 6 or 7 assists easy. He is a triple threat. Besides that, he will get more scoring opportunities in the near future and I think he will become more consistent with his points. Think about it. When Bynum gets back, if teams double Kobe, Drew or Gasol, L.O. will often be left wide open, and I think he will be able to capitalize on that.
That said, he probably will never be an all-star, although he has the potential to be one. He is just a role player, but he will be much needed if we want to win a championship.
Until proven that we can't win much with this roster, I say keep everything as is.
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: gokobego | February 02, 2008 at 12:33 PM
Naw, the trade was pretty much Hollywood Critter & a big body to hold them over until the end of the year for Pau Gasol.
They got Critter... they should be happy.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 02, 2008 at 12:35 PM
Another perplexed Memphis fan:
Wait a minute...are you freaking KIDDING me??? We've been shopping Pau Gasol for a year, and the best we can get for him is Kwame Brown?? KWAME BROWN???
Mike T. would be proud...
Posted by: LakerFan in Seattle | February 02, 2008 at 12:36 PM
ONE MORE TRADE WILL BE DONE BEFORE FEB 21ST.
I TOLD YOU ABOUT LAST TRADE ONE MORE HAVE FAITH THAT IT WILL BE GOOD ONE.
HAVE FAITH
Posted by: | February 02, 2008 at 12:36 PM
One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet: can Gasol play at PF? I mean, Bynum and Gasol on offense might work, but I doubt either of them can defend the 4. Seems like that 3/4 spot might still be a problem, with the center position overloaded.
Posted by: McGarnagle | February 02, 2008 at 12:38 PM
ONE MORE TRADE WILL BE DONE BEFORE FEB 21ST.
I TOLD YOU ABOUT LAST TRADE ONE MORE HAVE FAITH THAT IT WILL BE GOOD ONE.
HAVE FAITH
BYE LAMAR AND LUKE
Posted by: | February 02, 2008 at 12:39 PM
If you want to get technical... Kobe is our best 3.
But he's also our best 1 & 2.
The question is more a question of who's the best 5.
If you wanted to be honest with yourself, it would not include Lamar... when we're healthy.
Fish, Farmar, Kobe, Pau, Bynum. You could tweak this some, but Lamar at the 3 spot opens up abuse on the defensive end.
Here's the thing, I agree with Faith.
Lamar is now on borrowed time. I love him, I WANT him to succeed, and I certainly WANT him here when the champaign flows. Now is his chance.
Lamar has shown that he HAS HEART in the heat of the game... now I just want him to have heart when he's off the court and working to improve.
I love Lamar... I'm just saying, people, don't get it twisted.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 02, 2008 at 12:40 PM
Faith,
I Just read AK's response to you........it was a little convaluted but the main thing I get from it is...........LUKE WALTON WILL NO LONGER START!!
Not even Phil Jackson will be able to justify it..........hopefully.
Posted by: pfunk36 | February 02, 2008 at 12:41 PM
Smush "I don't like Phil's rotations" Parker: gone
Brian "smell my warm-up suit" Cook: gone
Maurice "expiring contract" Evans: gone
Kwame "expiring contract" Brown: gone
**********************************************************************************
Andrew "I'll show Kobe" Bynum: here
Pau "all-star" Gasol: here
Derek "I'll calm Kobe" Fisher: here
Lamar "I can relax (for now)" Odom: here
Vladimir "I can relax (for now)" Radmanovic: here
Luke "I can relax (for now)" Walton: here
Trevor "Michael Cooper's clone" Ariza: here
Jordan "athletic Tony Parker" Farmar: here
Sasha "The Maaachinnnne!" Vujacic: here
Ronny "athletic Kurt Rambis" Turiaf: here
DJ "I will listen to Kareem" Mbenga: here
Chris "I will listen to Kareem" Mihm: here
Coby "I'll enjoy the ride" Carl: here
*********************************************************************************
Kobe "get me some help" Bryant: here
*********************************************************************************
The Lakers front office: fearless
I am speechless.
Posted by: passionate Lakers fan | February 02, 2008 at 12:42 PM
"Think about it. When Bynum gets back, if teams double Kobe, Drew or Gasol, L.O. will often be left wide open, and I think he will be able to capitalize on that. "
gokobego,
All I can say is, I hope you're right.... I hope you're right. We know he has oodles of talent, and now the time will be for him to truly shine. Let's see if he does it.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 02, 2008 at 12:42 PM
McGarnagle,
Yeah, Gasol can definitely play PF (probably more so than C). His skill set works very well from 15 or so feet out, he's a good passer and he does a good job putting the ball on the floor.
Also, since you had asked earlier, never say never, but given that Mihm's barely been able to prove he can walk this season (much less play at anywhere close to his pre-injury level), I seriously doubt he'd accept a buyout to chase a bigger contract. That would be a bizarre business decision, I think.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | February 02, 2008 at 12:45 PM
Tim-4-Show,
I am not defending Kupchak’s every decision. He has allowed some very questionable contracts (Kwame 9 mil, Vlad 5.5 mil, Luke 4 mil). Brian Grant’s contract was crippling, I agree.
But Kupchak’s “slow glacier” analogy works if you look at the way he has overcome his mistakes. With tremendous criticism and pressure on him to make a move, he wisely stayed put on 2 instant gratification trades that would have buried the franchise completely (injured Jermaine and old Kidd). Instead, he showed vision with Andrew Bynum. He used the draft to supplement the roster and waited for the move that would OBVIOUSLY improve our roster.
He endured being a Cupcake general manager for long enough, until the opportunity to deliver did show up. Three seasons of downtime is nothing compared to what could have been.
Come on, a prospective roster of Bynum, Gasol, Odom, Bryant and Fisher is not too shabby.
Kudos
Posted by: particle man | February 02, 2008 at 12:46 PM
It was painful to watch Quah-mahe Brown play but I wish him the best. someone will give him a contract for 2 1/2 to 3 million a season next year to come off the bench for 18-20 minutes and put a body in someone.
I can't help thinking if the Lakers management/coaching staff had told him he could only defend and rebound and limit his offense to what he got from offensive rebounds, he might have been motivated to work on his game.
We might have seen the "I'll show them" player we all hoped for.
Seeing the luxury tax I can't help thinking Lamar will be the next out. They really need a SF that can shoot jumpers. Sasha's 6'7". Maybe he could play some SF along with Kobe.
The Lakers defense is definitely better than last year. They're not great right now without Bymun and Ariza, but the attitude and effort and improved.
Nice to see for a change.
Posted by: Andy B | February 02, 2008 at 12:49 PM
McGarnagle,
On the face of it, I'm thinking YES Pau can play the 4.
How many teams have multiple quality big men? Not too many.
If you have a big man in the post, Bynum can play them. If you have a big man on the wing (think Nowitski)... we're no worse off than we were before. What, was Odom going to guard that guy? No way, not effectively anyway.
Then on offense I don't even want to think about the match up problems the other team has... it's sick... do you put your top big on Andrew or Gasol. "Oh sh--t, they're abusing us down low!"
Foul trouble, etc.
Here's what fans will want from Gasol... consistent play (check) the ability to finish from Kobe's penetration (check) the ability to stretch the defense (check) and serious hustle along with an attitude of success that might include working on defense (we shall see, but guessing yes).
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 02, 2008 at 12:50 PM
did you guys see Kobe last night? He was so happy there was an extra spring in his step.
how about Radmanovic being showcased last night? Think of an Eastern team that is playoff bound and needs 3 point shooting, hell, we might even trade Vlad to a Western team...
how about Odom? Once the pressure is off he's actually a good player... ??? LOL! I mean... will he still play well in the playoffs? That's a lotta salary to carry for a 4th scoring option... but we can't trade him right now as Ariza would still have to get back in playing shape and Luke is undependable.
how bout Mitch planning ahead, signing Kwame for more money than he was worth, knowing the value of Kwame's expiring contract would vastly exceed the value of Kwame himself?
how about Sasha and Farmar emerging victorious? Who saw that coming at the beginning of the year?
how bout Mike T? I saw he started making some crazy posts. I bet he was frantically voting "bad trade" on the Laker telecast...
Everything I've seen about Gasol so far says the reason his defense hasn't been so good is because... well... his team SUCKED and they were trying to go up tempo like Phoenix, which is not a good system for a player like Gasol... I'm thinking we're getting the best of both worlds, we jettisoned Kwame and not only are we getting Gasol, we're getting a super motivated Gasol!
It sucks that Gasol may not be able to play tomorrow because Kwame and Javaris have to get to Memphis to clear their physicals before he can play so we are still depending on them to hustle a bit... Kwame/Mike T stop posting and go take your physical! LOL!
All this is making my calves twitch... and... I want some sugar... some CAKE would be nice...
Posted by: TaosHum | February 02, 2008 at 12:51 PM
Gasol's reaction:
http://sport.guardian.co.uk/breakingnews/feedstory/0,,-7276933,00.html
MADRID, Feb 2 (Reuters) - Pau Gasol is delighted at being given the chance to play alongside Kobe Bryant after the Los Angeles Lakers acquired the Spanish forward from Memphis Grizzlies on Friday.
"He (Bryant) is a top-class player, the best in the NBA," Gasol told Spanish sports daily Marca on Saturday. "We can do great things together and form a great partnership."
Bryant celebrated the news of Gasol's arrival by scoring 46 points as the Lakers racked up a 121-101 win over the Toronto Raptors on Friday.
Gasol, who will undergo a medical with the Lakers on Saturday, said he was struggling to take in the news of his move to the west coast.
"I'm up in the clouds, I still can't believe it," he said. "I'm still in a state of shock, but in personal and professional terms it is a huge boost for me and a huge opportunity.
"I'm going to fight to the death to achieve the team's objectives. In Los Angeles I will have a chance to win the title."
Gasol said the only downside to his move was that he would be leaving Spanish team mate and close friend Juan Carlos Navarro at Memphis.
"We knew it was a possibility that we had talked about over the course of the season and he said to me: 'I hope they transfer you to a decent team'.
"I know that he is very happy for me but we are both a bit affected by it."
Gasol, who joined Memphis in 2001 from his home town club Barcelona, was named rookie of the year in 2002 and became the first Spanish player to make it to the All-Star game in 2006.
He was MVP of the tournament when Spain won the world championships in Japan in 2006. (Reporting by Simon Baskett)
Posted by: Sean714 | February 02, 2008 at 12:53 PM
I don't feel the need to post anymore
wait a minute we still have puke and odumb
never mind
as someone said Luke will not start (yet)
Lamar is not a three people...threes are quick and can shoot
Ariza fits that mode (shot not included)
Posted by: YOU EVER NOTICE | February 02, 2008 at 12:57 PM
Lost in all the Pau fever is the vote of confidence the organization has given Jordan Farmar. J-Crit may turn out to be a perennial all star in the future but it's obvious Farmar is willing himself to be a top point guard in this league. None of us can argue the work ethic that he has. His skills are starting to catch up to his confidence and swagger. I understand that Kidd is a future HOF but what Farmar brings to the table seems to be more conducive to what the Lakers are trying to accomplish on the offensive side. Our strength is our bench and if you remove the general of that brigade then they wouldn't be as potent.
Jordan Farmar: the little engine that always knew he could.
GO LAKES!!!
Posted by: sixonezero | February 02, 2008 at 12:58 PM
The conspiracy, according to Faith
The setting: In a dark, dimly lit NBA office
God Father Stern tells Buss, “Ok, I will grant your request. You will get Gasol and you will have a few titles. But someday, I will ask a favor from you. And you will cooperate, Ca-pish”
Buss: “Oh Don David Stern! Thank you! Thank you!” While kissing his ring.
Posted by: AN 1 | February 02, 2008 at 12:58 PM
Just to freak teams out lakers should go sometimes in the middle of the games with Kobey at the 1 Ariza at the 2 Odom 3 Gasol 4 Bynom 5
Posted by: shneurson | February 02, 2008 at 12:59 PM
Imagine the Lakers without the Shaq trade: Kobe gone, no Gasol, no Lamar, no Farmar. It would be a washed-up Shaq and who knows what else. His enormous salary would make it impossible to make any moves. In retrospect the trade was brilliant. We are very fortunate to have a visionary owner in Dr. Buss and a astute foot soldier in Mitch Kupchak. See you on Figueroa when it's raining confetti in June !!!
Posted by: 15cmngsoon | February 02, 2008 at 01:02 PM
Gasol speaks...
http://www.thememphisedge.com/2008/02/02/gasol-speaks-more-trade-fallout/
Posted by: Neloho | February 02, 2008 at 01:03 PM
A couple of points:
1. Someone mentioned this line-up that I hadn't thought of. Pau, Bynum, Kobe (at the 3) Fisher, Farmar. Geez I just had a heart attack (the good kind). Talk about athletic, holy cow.
2. I would like to summarize the past 20-30 posts. Lamar: nice guy, versatile, good rebounder, moves the ball well, etc. Basically the kind of guy that every team wants to have. FOR 5 MILLION A YEAR, NOT 13!!!!!!!!
3. AK pimped my bit on this one, but everyone seems to be talking about Pau being a defensive loss over Kwame. This is irrelevant as Kwame would have been on the bench (deep on the bench I might add) as soon as Bynum comes back. Therefor Lamar moves to the 3, Bynum at the 5, Pau at the 4. Point being Pau is replacing Luke Walton, not Kwame Brown. You can't tell me that is not an upgrade.
4. Assuming that we all agree that Phoenix and Golden State put up gaudy numbers because of their "jack it up in the first 8 seconds" type of mentality, doesn't this make us the best offensive team in the NBA? I mean by alot. And we make an already good defensive team better, even if just slightly.
Anyway I just don't see a downside, $$$$ notwithstanding.
Peace!!!
Posted by: pslakerlover | February 02, 2008 at 01:07 PM
"Lost in all the Pau fever is the vote of confidence the organization has given Jordan Farmar. J-Crit may turn out to be a perennial all star in the future but it's obvious Farmar is willing himself to be a top point guard in this league."
Jordan Farmar: the little engine that always knew he could.
GO LAKES!!!
Posted by: sixonezero | February 02, 2008 at 12:58 PM
Great point 'six' What a boost of confidence to a guy who already has plenty. I hadn't even thought of that angle.
Also I can't wait for John Ireland's inevitable interview of Pau before the Washington game (whether or not he plays). If we could just edit out John Ireland (what a geek).
Posted by: pslakerlover | February 02, 2008 at 01:15 PM
ajax-
Yeah, everyone has to pass the physical. I've read that it's about 50/50 that everyone will be good to go tomorrow. So we'll have to wait. That it's an early start for the Lakers probably doesn't help.
sixonezero-
I agree, that it's a major show of faith to Farmar, but also to Sasha. Critter is big enough to play the two with an improved shot, but the way Vujacic is playing, he's shown that he can be a legit rotation backup to Kobe at the two. He's not a point (just doesn't handle the ball well enough) but last year, that he could be a dependable option would have seemed like a gamble. Now, not so much.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | February 02, 2008 at 01:17 PM
I doubt Gasol will be able to play tomorrow. Kwame is having a hard time adjusting to the trade and hasn't taken his physical. The problem stems from Kwame's trip to Memphis. The Laker management gave him a plane ticket to get to Memphis, but somewhere between the hotel and the airport he dropped the ticket and lost it. He was given a replacement ticket and rushed to the plane, but fumbled his bag several times and missed the flight. They finally got him on the next flight out, but when he got to Memphis he dropped the paper that had the address he was supposed to report to and the wind blew it away. Kwame hailed a cab, told the driver who he was and figured the cabbie would know where to take him. He did. He took him straight to a cake shop where Kwame was reportedly found a few hours later.
Hopefully someone will escort Kwame the rest of the way.
Posted by: LakerLarry | February 02, 2008 at 01:21 PM
NOBODY EXPECTS THE SPANISH ACQUISITION!
I'm guessing that's what the copy editor wrote for the headline for the news story and then it got changed into the clunky Lakers Make Spanish Acquisition.
Posted by: Growing Pains | February 02, 2008 at 01:22 PM
By the way K bros - the talking heads comment did not include you guys. I consider you one of us. I'm sure that's reassuring to you both -- lol--
Bloggers -- Any streaming video of Pau talking after the trade? I'm sorry if it's been posted.
Posted by: HmrHed | February 02, 2008 at 01:23 PM
Bienvenidos a Los Angeles Pau! Vamos a ganar muchos campeonatos con Kobe y Phil. Viva Lakers!
Posted by: xtro | February 02, 2008 at 01:37 PM
BK
I definitely agree on Sasha.
The ridiculous thing about Sasha is that even if he never scores anywhere close to 22 points the rest of the season, his presence just adds another page for opposing scouting reports. The old adage of shut down Kobe and the other pieces will fall just took another hit.
Posted by: sixonezero | February 02, 2008 at 01:40 PM
LakerLarry,
That was cold. Funny, but cold.
Posted by: HmrHed | February 02, 2008 at 01:42 PM