what a fucking trade the Lakers pulled off - giving up very little for a prime time fairly young player.
http://www.sportsline.com/nba/story/10613377
TORONTO -- The Los Angeles Lakers bolstered their banged-up frontline Friday with a key acquisition -- 7-footer Pau Gasol of the Memphis Grizzlies.
"It shows a great deal of commitment from the organization," All-Star Kobe Bryant said before the Lakers' game at Toronto. "It's a great step.
"It's a matter of us just gelling now and putting it together," added Bryant, who urged management to improve the team over the summer. "We've got a great bench. We have a lot of length, a lot of versatility. Now it's time to walk the walk."
The Lakers gave up Kwame Brown, rookie Javaris Crittenton and two first-round draft picks for Gasol. The Spaniard is certain to help a Lakers team reeling from recent injuries to inside players, including blossoming center Andrew Bynum.
"We need a little scoring inside without Andrew Bynum," coach Phil Jackson said. "It gives us a post-up threat right now, and he's a good passer. We like that."
Jackson said Gasol could make his debut when the Lakers visit Washington on Sunday.
"We'd like him to play on Sunday," Jackson said. "I don't know if that's possible or not. He's got to go back to L.A. and have a physical tomorrow."
Gasol, averaging 18.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.44 blocked shots in 39 games this season, can fill in at center until Bynum returns in mid-March, then move to power forward.
http://www.sportsline.com/nba/story/10613377
TORONTO -- The Los Angeles Lakers bolstered their banged-up frontline Friday with a key acquisition -- 7-footer Pau Gasol of the Memphis Grizzlies.
"It shows a great deal of commitment from the organization," All-Star Kobe Bryant said before the Lakers' game at Toronto. "It's a great step.
"It's a matter of us just gelling now and putting it together," added Bryant, who urged management to improve the team over the summer. "We've got a great bench. We have a lot of length, a lot of versatility. Now it's time to walk the walk."
The Lakers gave up Kwame Brown, rookie Javaris Crittenton and two first-round draft picks for Gasol. The Spaniard is certain to help a Lakers team reeling from recent injuries to inside players, including blossoming center Andrew Bynum.
"We need a little scoring inside without Andrew Bynum," coach Phil Jackson said. "It gives us a post-up threat right now, and he's a good passer. We like that."
Jackson said Gasol could make his debut when the Lakers visit Washington on Sunday.
"We'd like him to play on Sunday," Jackson said. "I don't know if that's possible or not. He's got to go back to L.A. and have a physical tomorrow."
Gasol, averaging 18.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.44 blocked shots in 39 games this season, can fill in at center until Bynum returns in mid-March, then move to power forward.
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