Number 17

Pau Gasol Power Forward Los Angeles Lakers
(8th Season)

Pau Gasol has battled the lack of exposure playing for Memphis, and now the fact that Kobe Bryant is his teammate during his career. Internationally he is a superstar, in fact in most of Europe they believe Gasol is the best player in the world. If you look at his international performance alone, it actually is understandable.

Everyone knows that the Lakers are run through #24. However, for those that watch a lot of Lakers games know that Phil Jackson likes to run a whole lot of offense through Gasol. Pau is one of the last throwback big men in this game. You can give the ball to him with his back to the basket and watch him use his post moves to get you 2 points over and over. Pau has a great hook shot, a good up and under move, and underrated strength which he uses to dominate lessor opponents.

Gasol has averaged either 18.8 or 18.9 PPG each of the past 3 seasons, he matches that with about 9 rebounds a night. He does this now with one of the best scorers in the league on his team. That can be considered either help or hendrence depending on who you ask. What I know is that Gasol would be the #1 post option on just about every team.

Gasol is pretty much what he is. I don't think there is any way for him to climb the ladder much, and really there is no need. He is an average defender, and one of the best post players in basketball. Gasol has and will rule international play, and that will be what he is most known for in his country. If the Lakers are to win titles this year, or in the future they will need Pau to be the best inside player in whatever series they may be in.