Lakers Get Big with Gasol
A few weeks ago the Lakers season looked on the verge of collapse when suddenly blossoming center, Andrew Bynum, was lost to a knee injury for much of the rest of the season. Bynum was just coming into his own this year, and was providing scoring, defense, and the inside presence that allowed the Lakers to challenge Phoenix for the division. Losing Bynum threatened the Lakers’ chance to contend for the division, but LA solved that problem by making a major trade for Pau Gasol.
In getting the big Spaniard from Memphis, the Lakers gave up some future considerations, which will hurt in the coming years. The Lakers sent Kwame Brown, Javaris Crittenton, Aaron McKie, two first-round picks and the draft rights to Marc Gasol, Pau’s brother, to Memphis for Gasol. Although the two first round picks will certainly sting, Gasol is still only 27 years old, and has averaged 18 points and 8 rebounds in his career. He has three years left on his contract, and could be a player that is more than just a temporary bandage. Gasol is versatile, can hit the mid-range jumper, and is an excellent passer.
The trade makes the Lakers a legitimate contender in the West and a real threat to win it all. When Bynum comes back healthy, the Lakers will have two seven footers, and Lamar Odom at 6′11″. They are now one of the biggest teams in the league, and will give the rest of the league some serious match up problems.
Filed under: Uncategorized
