Pau Gasol content to be quietly effective as Los Angeles Lakers cruise along – NBA Update
The Los Angeles Lakers have won their first two ties in the Western Conference playoffs. They didn’t look bothered too much with what the Denver Nuggets threw at them in the two games at the Staples Center as Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum put up big numbers
to help Lakers to victories.
While Bryant and Bynum have been tremendous, no doubt, there has also been another player who has been pretty efficient for the Lakers. Power forward Pau Gasol has slowly played himself back into form this season, after his poor showing in last season’s
playoffs, and the team is reaping the benefits.
Gasol isn’t as prolific as he used to be, and certainly not as much in the spotlight. His role on the team has changed a little from what it was, especially with the rise of Andrew Bynum this season, but the forward doesn’t mind.
"I'm trying to fulfil my role as best as I can," Gasol said. "Whatever's needed out there, I'm trying to do it. I don't get as many looks as I used to, especially down in the post because Andrew (Bynum) is taking up a lot of that and being effective.”
With his shots limited as the Lakers use Gasol more and more in the post, while Kobe continues to dominate from the backcourt, Pau has shifted his focus on things that perhaps suit him more. In fact, Gasol has never been a real grafter in the post, and he
is much more comfortable using his silky skills and passing ability to affect the game in ways a normal power forward, let alone a 7-footer, wouldn’t ever dare try.
"So, I try to take advantage of my opportunities and then also use my skills and my talent to get guys involved and facilitate. That's what I've been trying to do. I think being aggressive gets me going and gets me more involved and more active." Pau opined.
The Lakers went from NBA Champions in 2010 to a dysfunctional unit last time out when they were routed 4 – 0 by eventual NBA World Champions the Dallas Mavericks. A fixture of that post season embarrassment was Gasol’s struggles throughout.
He was off colour and with Andrew Bynum not the beast he is today, that really cost Los Angeles. It helps Gasol now that Bynum has taken up the role that he has, and Pau is enjoying his game and influencing outcomes tremendously, although in a quiet, uncelebrated
way.
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