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Lakers: Ranking the Team’s Top 5 Worst Decisions Since 2010

By Timothy Jenkins

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Apr 2, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24) smiles at power forward Pau Gasol (16) after he completed a triple double in the second half of the game against the Dallas Mavericks at the Staples Center. Lakers won 101-81. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24) smiles at power forward Pau Gasol (16) after he completed a triple double in the second half of the game against the Dallas Mavericks at the Staples Center. Lakers won 101-81. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Letting Pau Gasol Leave

We all know that Kobe Bryant is one of the greatest players in Los Angeles Lakers history. However, Pau Gasol should be remembered as the Lakers franchise saver. Without Gasol, Kobe most likely would still be a 3-time NBA champion searching for his legacy.

When the Lakers traded for Gasol in the spring of 2008, he transformed them into instant title contenders. LA made that NBA Finals for the next three straight years, and managed to win two NBA titles in the process. Gasol’s post and mid range ability made him a perfect compliment to Bryant and the duo would become arguably one of the best in the NBA.

Unfortunately, Pau’s soft spoken and humble demeanor made him a constant whipping boy whenever problems arose in Los Angeles. Gasol frequently took the blame for bad games, losses, and his all around passive nature. Although he was a fan favorite, Pau never quite received the credit he was due for helping to revitalize the franchise.

After realizing he had had enough after the D’Antoni saga, Pau walked away during free agency and hasn’t looked back. This situation is similar to not missing a recent ex until you see them dating someone else.

Gasol has since played a key role for the Chicago Bulls and recently signed with the San Antonio Spurs. Pau is still a more than capable NBA big man, and LA has desperately missed his production since his departure.

Next: 2. 2011 Team Breakup

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