The Los Angeles Lakers have acquired forward Pau Gasol in a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies, it was announced today (Feb 1, 2008) by General Manager Mitch Kupchak.
Gasol, a 7th year player out of Spain, is averaging 18.9 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.44 blocked shots per game this season. The 27 year old 7’0” forward/center has career averages of 18.8 points and 8.6 rebounds. A 2006 NBA All-Star and 2001-02 NBA Rookie of the Year, Gasol also won a gold medal with Spain at the 2006 FIBA World Championships while being named tournament MVP.
Why Make the Deal?
Gasol is a polished offensive presence with the ability to operate in the post and to hit the mid-range jumper. He presents the potential of a 4 headed offensive monster for the Lakers with Pau, Kobe, Andrew and Lamar. Gasol is an established all-star caliber player (2006) with career averages of 18.8 points and 8.6 rebounds.
It is an adage that you want to get the best player in the trade and the Lakers achieve that. In terms of how to get better, both long term and short term while Andrew Bynum is out, the Lakers needed a front court presence and had few trading chips to do that. One of the big ones was Kwame’s expiring deal and Mitch was able to use that to help the team.
Why do the Grizzlies make this deal?
The Grizzlies weren’t going anywhere with Gasol and are already firmly in rebuilding mode. They get some salary cap space with Kwame’s expiring contract. On the court, they get the benefit of Kwame’s defensive prowess. They also get Javaris Crittenton, who has shown immense promise in his limited time on the court. With the development of Jordan Farmar, he has been pushed to the background, perhaps more than was envisioned when he was drafted last summer. While the Grizzlies already have 3 point guards in Conley, Jr., Navarro and Lowry, they are all shorter point guards and Javaris with his height will bring a different dimension to their point guard mix. The Grizzlies also get 1st round picks in 2008 and 2010.
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