Los Angeles Lakers: Top Five Lakers In The Post-Shaq Era
March 19, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Pau Gasol (16) moves to the basket against the San Antonio Spurs during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
2. Pau Gasol
Gasol very easily could have won Finals MVP in the 2010 series against the Celtics. Gasol averaged 18.6 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks. In Game 7, Gasol posted a dominant 19 points and 18 rebounds, including nine offensive rebounds.
During the championship years, Gasol was arguably the best big man in the NBA not named Dwight Howard. Gasol was a three time All-Star, and made the All-NBA third team in 2011. Gasol was, at one point, the most skilled big man in the NBA, and nowhas passed that title on to his brother. LikeMarc Gasol, Pau was an exceptional passer, a skilled post player that could use both hands, and a solid mid-range shooter. Gasol was the perfect side-kick to Kobe Bryant in his prime and had a better relationship with Kobe than any other Laker, except Derek Fisher.
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One thing about Gasol that made him such a great Laker, was his unselfish attitude. Ever since the beginning of the 2011-2012 season, Gasol was always in trade rumors, but it never seemed to impact his attitude. Gasol was actually a part of the Chris Paul trade in December 2011 that was called off by David Stern.
Although Gasol only played six and half seasons with the Lakers, he is up there with some of the best big men of all time on the Lakers all time leader rankings. Gasol is top ten in blocks, field goal percentage, player efficiency rating, and plus-minus.
Even in the 2013-2014 season, when Gasol was left to be the centerpiece of one of the worst Laker teams in franchise history, Gasol never complained, and gave it his all every night. Lakers fans might say Gasol was “soft” but there is no Laker fan that doesn’t absolutely love the Big Spaniard.
Next: 1. Kobe Bryant