The Great Wall Of… L.A.?!

Surprise!

 

Pau Gasol is shipped into Los Angeles and we’re all surprised, aren’t we? We were like, “are you kidding me?” or “you can’t be serious!” Even NBA coaches couldn’t believe this latest transaction between the Lakers and the Grizzlies. The Lakers (finally a wise decision…whew!) got Gasol from Memphis in exchange for Kwame Brown (considered to be the lousiest #1 draft pick), Javaris Crittenton (a promising player but not of the present world), and two first round picks (which most probably slouch down to the 20ths as the Lakers’ rise is anticipated). Tinseltown is clearly on the winning end while Graceland is on the “better luck next time” phase.

 

I’ve never been a fan of the Lakers but I’m a fan of the 7’0’’ Spanish sensation. He’s an effective low post scorer, rebounder and defender with a good touch, a decent dribble and a well-known high basketball I.Q. Of course, he’s no Tim Duncan but he’ll readily show up on the top 10. He’s got the type of personality that will complement Kobe’s leadership. He’d probably remind Phil Jackson of Toni Kukoc’s aura.

 

Now, when the Lakers take the floor, you’d see the muscle-sporting, experienced Derek Fisher running the point at 6’2”, the NBA’s current best player in the 6’6” Black Mamba, a lengthy, versatile player in the 6’10” Lamar Odom, Pau Gasol at 7’0” and a rising monster in 7’0” or 7’1” Andrew Bynum. It’s like the Great Wall of China you’re going against when you’re talking of length from Kobe and up. Other coaches are now starting to think how to match up against the Lakers’ height. And let’s not forget the skills that go with the height. Are you, Western Conference guys, ready to say big four now? San Antonio, Phoenix and Dallas will no longer hold the spotlight to their own arenas.

 Where will this move take the team? I’m guessing up to the Conference Finals. San Antonio has still the upper hand when it comes to experience. Los Angeles, however, has the tools. It all comes down to the execution and the involvement of the reserves. The Spurs got a good move out of Memphis, too—Damon Stoudamire—and add to that a good cast on the bench. L.A.’s got to think about that. But who knows? They say the ball is round. Good luck to my good friend Marlon “OM” Villa… Hey Pau! You gotta shave, man. You ain’t a grizzly anymore.