slappy wrote:As a Grizzlies season ticket holder, congrats on getting Gasol. He may be a great fit for the Lakers, but he was not for the Grizzlies. The Griz had already become Rudy Gay's team and it was obvious it was time to go for Gasol. I've watched Pau for the last 6+ years as a season ticket holder and most of us feel his best years are behind him. He is not strong around the basket, offensively or defensively, is an indifferent rebounder at best, and is often indecisive, which leads to a lot of turnovers. That said, he was never meant to be a top banana, which he was forced to be in Memphis. I think he can really pay off for the Lakers if he stays motivated in his new role, but don't count on the Finals just yet. I am happy with the trade too, since it gives us a chance to acquire pieces to put around Rudy. Good Luck!
slappy, sorry you had to suffer through those years of Pau on the decline.
This post reminds me of what a Raider fan said about Randy Moss, right after he was traded to the Patriots.
It also reminds me of what a Spurs fan said about Dennis Rodman before he was traded from being ineffective with David Robinson to going to the Bulls.
I KNEW in my heart that even though the players lacked fire with their old team they'd INSTANTLY be GREAT with their new team.
Pau's best years start NOW, slappy. He's going to play with PASSION and he's got a HOF coach and Kobe who's trying to catch Micheal Jordan in terms of greatness.
Pau is REALLY YOUNG, STILL, slappy.
Gasol isn't like Garnett and playing alongside over-30 players who must pray they don't get injured or worn down through the playoffs. Pau is now a teammate of guys who are young and improving, with Kobe in his prime. Pau will improve is my bet.
I think Pau will be so much better than he's been in the past he might be a league MVP some day.