5 Greatest Games of Pau Gasol’s Laker Career (w/video)
By Jacob Rude
3. Game 1, 2008 NBA First Round vs. Denver Nuggets – 36 points, 16 rebounds, 8 assists, 14-20 FG
Pau’s arrival in LA brought great fanfare. The Lakers surged on, quickly becoming one of the favorites for the title. But while Bryant took home the individual honors that year, it was Gasol who put up the huge stats in the first game of the playoffs. Proving his worth, Gasol poured in what was then his most points for the purple and gold with 36 points. His efficient night shooting was also highlighted by his ability to involve his teammates with 8 assists, nearly a triple double.
The game was a beautiful reminder of just how great the triangle is when run correctly.
2. Game 7, 2012 NBA First Round vs. Denver Nuggets – 23 points, 17 rebounds (11 offensive), 6 assists, 4 blocks
Often given the label as a “soft” player, Gasol has had his moments where he put his big boy pants on. In 2012, the Lakers were no longer the dynasty they had been a few years prior, with Gasol and Bryant on the wrong side of their career trajectory. Against the young, quick Nuggets, the Lakers struggled.
But in a do-or-die Game 7, Gasol and Andrew Bynum showed up big. The duo poured in 39 points, grabbed 35 rebounds, blocked 10 shots, and spearheaded the Lakers to a victory. Gasol battled hard, pulling down 11 offensive rebounds and offering one of his strongest performances in the purple and gold.