Looking Back: 2000s Lakers All-Decade Team
By Jacob Rude
Power Forward – Pau Gasol
The Lakers shocked the NBA world in 2008 when the swooped in and landed Spaniard Pau Gasol, the second star they’d been searching to pair with Bryant since Shaquille O’Neal had left. What they got was a match made in heaven. Gasol was the perfect piece next to Bryant and in the triangle, flourishing in his role and helping the Lakers to three straight Finals appearances in his first three years with the team.
Despite playing just three years in the decade with the Lakers, it was an easy choice as to who was the best power forward of the decade. The only other consideration was former teammate Lamar Odom, who had a longer tenure with the team, but did not have the same impact as Gasol.
In the three short years he played for LA in the decade, we were given arguably the three best seasons of Gasol’s career, solidifying his spot on this team.