LAKERS ARE FUELED BY GASOL

Pau Gasol is the reason why the Lakers own the best record in the NBA. (GETTY IMAGES)

Kobe Bryant is not the Lakers’ most valuable player this season. What? Yup, sounds utterly ridiculous but it’s true. Bryant may be the best player in the galaxy, but the title of Lakers MVP belongs to Pau Gasol. As good as Kobe Bryant is (and he’s very, very good), the game is still played inside-out. NBA championships are won with the big guys in the paint, not with the guys who make the “pretty” plays.
Since coming to L.A. in a trade from Memphis that still has the entire Western Conference fuming, Gasol has helped the Lakers win 43 of their last 53 games, a number that would have been higher had the 28-year-old Spaniard not sprained his ankle last March. The Lakers went 13-2 during Gasol’s first month in purple and gold. After struggling to a 9-6 mark in March partly because Gasol was on the injured list for nine games, the Lakers posted a 7-1 record in April and are 14-1 in October and November. Simply put, the arrival of Gasol has calmed Bryant, made Phil Jackson’s beloved triangle offense potent again and turned Mitch Kupchak into a genius executive overnight.
Entering the 2008-09 season, many wondered how Gasol would co-exist center Andrew Bynum, who was returning from knee surgery. Many questioned Gasol’s toughness after being shoved around by Kevin Garnett and Co. during the 2008 NBA Finals. Some privately wondered whether Gasol has what it takes to be a prime-time player. So far, the answer has been a resounding “Yes, yes and yes!”
The Lakers own the best record in the Western Conference and, if they remain healthy, should be playing in June. Bryant is happy, Bynum is happy and Phil J. is happy…all because of Gasol. The 7-foot forward, who can also play center, is a perfect fit in Jackson’s offense. He can play the high post or the low post, has great hands, can pass extremely well for a big man and has a very high basketball IQ. He has shown an ability to face up and consistently make that 15-footer from the top of the key, a big reason why Bynum has plenty of room to operate near the basket.
Gasol’s unselfish play has also allowed Bryant to stay in attack mode. Pau is smart enough to know that Kobe is the main attraction in L.A. and sometimes you have to let the Black Mamba do his thing and simply get out of his way….something a certain 7-foot, 350-pound big man couldn’t accept when he was teamed with Bryant.
Gasol is the anti-Shaq. He’s more than happy to play second fiddle. At times, he’s been the third wheel, deferring to Bryant and Bynum. He understands that if the Lakers are going to win the championship, he’ll have to sacrifice some of his scoring. He was a 20-point scorer in Memphis and averaged 18 a game last year with the Lakers. This season, Gasol is picking his spots. For the season, Gasol is scoring 16 points per game, grabbing nine rebounds and shooting 54% from the field. His length and improved defense are two reasons why the Lakers have held nine opponents under 100 points. If the Lakers keep winning, Gasol should join Bryant and Bynum at the All-Star Game.
Kobe Bryant was on point when he said the Lakers’ acquisition of Pau Gasol was like a gift from God. God must be a Lakers fan.