Lakers: :wow MVPau

[Deuce Bigalow]

Not sure about that... he certainly had his best seasons with Derek Fisher and Phil Jackson....

What about the team leader in assists tbh?

[ElNono]

What about the team leader in assists tbh?

What about him?

[Deuce Bigalow]

What about him?

Most of those assists were to Pau tbh

[ElNono]

Most of those assists were to Pau tbh

Well, we already know what a season without Phil and Fish looks like... you know, last season... definitely far from the best of Pau's career...

[Deuce Bigalow]

Well, we already know what a season without Phil and Fish looks like... you know, last season... definitely far from the best of Pau's career...

I forgot how dominant he was in the 2011 playoffs. Phil giving him bumps for his greatness.

[Cry Havoc]

Amazing the numbers this "soft" big man that "needs to be traded ASAP" puts up when he actually gets the ball. Just astonishing. It's almost like he's always been a really, really, really, really good player that got thrown under the bus a lot. For *some* reason.

[AchillesHeel]

b2b 20 and 10 games

but, but, Pau is soft and overrated

[HI-FI]

Pau never missed the playoffs in his prime...

Makes me wonder

exactly. if he had ed his way onto a franchise that gets more hookups than anyone else, it's crazy to think what his ceiling could have been.

still, good to see Laker fans finally learn to appreciate MVPau, even though he subconsciously motivated them to join this site. still, better late than never.

[Deuce Bigalow]

Amazing the numbers this "soft" big man that "needs to be traded ASAP" puts up when he actually gets the ball. Just astonishing. It's almost like he's always been a really, really, really, really good player that got thrown under the bus a lot. For *some* reason.

He's been getting the ball plenty every game

His FGA per game was higher than his PPG for a while, It wasn't until these past 2 games that got his PPG higher than his FGA/gm.

[ElNono]

I forgot how dominant he was in the 2011 playoffs. Phil giving him bumps for his greatness.

That was a 57 win team that made the 2nd round... and while he struggled a bit in the playoffs, he averaged 18/13 during the season... definitely closer to his better season than his worst...

[Bill_Brasky]

lakerfans don't deserve Pau.

[Deuce Bigalow]

That was a 57 win team that made the 2nd round... and while he struggled a bit in the playoffs, he averaged 18/13 during the season... definitely closer to his better season than his worst...

What years do you think he was robbed of the MVP?

[whitemamba]

lakerfans don't deserve Pau.

$!9 million a year.. hes getting paid tbh

[DMC]

What years do you think he was robbed of the MVP?

Since you go by points scored and not efficiency only when it suits your argument, probably never. If we were to be honest though, Pau could have very easily gotten the MVP in at least one of the Finals. He shut down KG, basically destroyed him in rebounds and points, and was very efficient in the process. Kobe just volume shot his way to the MVP.

[DMC]

Here's a neat little article from back when it happened:

http://www.behindthebasket.com/btb/2...inals-mvp.html

Congratulations to Los Angeles on winning consecutive les, but we need to clear up a little matter called the Finals MVP Award. As much as Kobe Bryant seems like an obvious selection because he's the team's most lauded player and he averaged 28.6 points per, he clearly was not the Lakers' best player in the 2010 Finals. That player was Pau Gasol.
The most straight-forward way of looking at this debate is that the series was decided by defense and rebounding. It was a low-scoring, poorly shot affair all around, and the Lakers won the rebounding battle by a landslide in their four wins. Gasol was by far their most impressive rebounder in the series, leading everyone in both the amount he collected and his skill in doing so in the trenches, picking up the tough ones in traffic (not the long caroms that guards usually end up with). On top of that, his strong interior defense set the tone for the Lakers, who rode their defense to the championship; Bryant spent the series playing centerfield far off of Rajon Rondo, certainly not a stopper or defensive game-changer in any capacity.

Statistically, Gasol's input in his Lakers' le defense was significantly more important than that of Bryant. Obviously Kobe's 29 points per look better than Gasol's 19, but it was simply the result of shooting an insane amount of shots at a low percentage. Although the Lakers shot a pitiful 41% over their seven games with Boston, Bryant actually made things worse by shooting 40% (66-163). Not only that, but in a series full of close fourth-quarter battles, Bryant shot an abysmal 31% (11-36) in the games' final periods. Gasol connected on a team-high 48% from the field, hitting 43 of 90 attempts. His efficiency from the field was instrumental in stressing a tight Boston defense.

From a distribution/running-the-O standpoint, Gasol far trumped Kobe in the Finals. The big Spaniard lead the entire Laker squad with a phenomenal 26-13 (2.0) assist-turnover rate. He did a great job passing out of double teams, passing out of the low-post, high-post, perimeter, etc. The only player to accrue more assists on LA was the primary ball handler, Bryant, who handed out one more, 27. Unfortunately for the team, he also turned the ball over 27 times for a terrible 1.0 ratio. It could have been much worse if his teammates didn't hustle to retain possession on numerous Bryant passes that were tipped away by the Celtics into random spaces each game. Offensively, there is no question that Gasol was far more important to the overall success and effectiveness of the Lakers' attack.

Considering the winner of all seven games was also the team that lead each contest in rebounds, this part of their games cannot be overlooked. Gasol was the top rebounder by quite a substantial margin for the series, snagging 11.6 boards per, including an incredible 5.0 offensive each night. With the rest of the Lakers shooting such a low percentage from the field, Gasol's offensive rebounds and the subsequent second-chance points alone were regularly the difference between winning and losing. He surpassed his rebound average in four of the seven games, so there were no single-game totals that pushed his average so high.

Bryant chipped in with an impressive 8.0 rebounds per, including 1.7 offensive, but it should be pointed out he met or exceeded that average only twice. A few outliers skewed his average above a true indication of what he contributed in this category. Not only that, most of Gasol's boards were grabbed in the middle of hard-fought scrums in the paint, whereas Bryant's were usually of the long-bounce-right-to-him variety.

Defensively, Gasol's man-to-man defense is alright, but his ability to energetically block and redirect shots was unparalleled, blocking 18 for the series (2.6 per) and persuading multiple potential shots to not be taken. A big man's defensive presence is always more valuable than a wing's because they have to help clean up the mess opposing guards make when they drive into the paint. That being said, Bryant's defense wasn't responsible for much in the series. He guarded Rajon Rondo, who can't shoot, by hanging out in the lane; Bryant rarely had to hustle or be responsible for containing any tough plays. Rondo still ended up averaging 14 points and 8 assists for the series. Bryant did get credit for 15 steals over the seven games, 8 of which came in two home contests when any deflections caused by his teammates' hustle were given to him if LA's stats keepers determined he gained possession in the end. NBA stats keepers, who work for individual clubs, are allowed a lot of leeway in determining who to give credit for steals, which is why it's one of the most home-oriented statistics for star players.

Pau Gasol was clearly the most impressive player in the 2010 Finals and deserved to win the Bill Russell MVP Award. This is not a slight to Bryant, it's just that Gasol is that good. He is the only other player in the best-big-in-the-league discussion with Dwight Howard. Duncan's slowing speed has taken away a lot of his defense, and Chris Bosh is neither a defender, passer, winner, or much more than a pedestrian shooter inside. On the other hand, the best perimeter player in the league is an argument involving Chris Paul, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Deron Williams, Steve Nash, Kevin Durant, maybe Jason Kidd, and Bryant.

Gasol is doing some special things right now that have brought the Lakers out of their three-year .500-ball funk and into a great stretch of Finals runs that includes two les. It's time he got his due.

[Rogue]

Pau never missed the playoffs in his prime...

Makes me wonder

The prime Pau playing in Memphis never won a single game in the playoffs either

[AchillesHeel]

Here's a neat little article from back when it happened:

http://www.behindthebasket.com/btb/2...inals-mvp.html

Congratulations to Los Angeles on winning consecutive les, but we need to clear up a little matter called the Finals MVP Award. As much as Kobe Bryant seems like an obvious selection because he's the team's most lauded player and he averaged 28.6 points per, he clearly was not the Lakers' best player in the 2010 Finals. That player was Pau Gasol.
The most straight-forward way of looking at this debate is that the series was decided by defense and rebounding. It was a low-scoring, poorly shot affair all around, and the Lakers won the rebounding battle by a landslide in their four wins. Gasol was by far their most impressive rebounder in the series, leading everyone in both the amount he collected and his skill in doing so in the trenches, picking up the tough ones in traffic (not the long caroms that guards usually end up with). On top of that, his strong interior defense set the tone for the Lakers, who rode their defense to the championship; Bryant spent the series playing centerfield far off of Rajon Rondo, certainly not a stopper or defensive game-changer in any capacity.

Statistically, Gasol's input in his Lakers' le defense was significantly more important than that of Bryant. Obviously Kobe's 29 points per look better than Gasol's 19, but it was simply the result of shooting an insane amount of shots at a low percentage. Although the Lakers shot a pitiful 41% over their seven games with Boston, Bryant actually made things worse by shooting 40% (66-163). Not only that, but in a series full of close fourth-quarter battles, Bryant shot an abysmal 31% (11-36) in the games' final periods. Gasol connected on a team-high 48% from the field, hitting 43 of 90 attempts. His efficiency from the field was instrumental in stressing a tight Boston defense.

From a distribution/running-the-O standpoint, Gasol far trumped Kobe in the Finals. The big Spaniard lead the entire Laker squad with a phenomenal 26-13 (2.0) assist-turnover rate. He did a great job passing out of double teams, passing out of the low-post, high-post, perimeter, etc. The only player to accrue more assists on LA was the primary ball handler, Bryant, who handed out one more, 27. Unfortunately for the team, he also turned the ball over 27 times for a terrible 1.0 ratio. It could have been much worse if his teammates didn't hustle to retain possession on numerous Bryant passes that were tipped away by the Celtics into random spaces each game. Offensively, there is no question that Gasol was far more important to the overall success and effectiveness of the Lakers' attack.

Considering the winner of all seven games was also the team that lead each contest in rebounds, this part of their games cannot be overlooked. Gasol was the top rebounder by quite a substantial margin for the series, snagging 11.6 boards per, including an incredible 5.0 offensive each night. With the rest of the Lakers shooting such a low percentage from the field, Gasol's offensive rebounds and the subsequent second-chance points alone were regularly the difference between winning and losing. He surpassed his rebound average in four of the seven games, so there were no single-game totals that pushed his average so high.

Bryant chipped in with an impressive 8.0 rebounds per, including 1.7 offensive, but it should be pointed out he met or exceeded that average only twice. A few outliers skewed his average above a true indication of what he contributed in this category. Not only that, most of Gasol's boards were grabbed in the middle of hard-fought scrums in the paint, whereas Bryant's were usually of the long-bounce-right-to-him variety.

Defensively, Gasol's man-to-man defense is alright, but his ability to energetically block and redirect shots was unparalleled, blocking 18 for the series (2.6 per) and persuading multiple potential shots to not be taken. A big man's defensive presence is always more valuable than a wing's because they have to help clean up the mess opposing guards make when they drive into the paint. That being said, Bryant's defense wasn't responsible for much in the series. He guarded Rajon Rondo, who can't shoot, by hanging out in the lane; Bryant rarely had to hustle or be responsible for containing any tough plays. Rondo still ended up averaging 14 points and 8 assists for the series. Bryant did get credit for 15 steals over the seven games, 8 of which came in two home contests when any deflections caused by his teammates' hustle were given to him if LA's stats keepers determined he gained possession in the end. NBA stats keepers, who work for individual clubs, are allowed a lot of leeway in determining who to give credit for steals, which is why it's one of the most home-oriented statistics for star players.

Pau Gasol was clearly the most impressive player in the 2010 Finals and deserved to win the Bill Russell MVP Award. This is not a slight to Bryant, it's just that Gasol is that good. He is the only other player in the best-big-in-the-league discussion with Dwight Howard. Duncan's slowing speed has taken away a lot of his defense, and Chris Bosh is neither a defender, passer, winner, or much more than a pedestrian shooter inside. On the other hand, the best perimeter player in the league is an argument involving Chris Paul, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Deron Williams, Steve Nash, Kevin Durant, maybe Jason Kidd, and Bryant.

Gasol is doing some special things right now that have brought the Lakers out of their three-year .500-ball funk and into a great stretch of Finals runs that includes two les. It's time he got his due.

Truth hurts

[Killakobe81]

Here's a neat little article from back when it happened:

http://www.behindthebasket.com/btb/2...inals-mvp.html

Congratulations to Los Angeles on winning consecutive les, but we need to clear up a little matter called the Finals MVP Award. As much as Kobe Bryant seems like an obvious selection because he's the team's most lauded player and he averaged 28.6 points per, he clearly was not the Lakers' best player in the 2010 Finals. That player was Pau Gasol.
The most straight-forward way of looking at this debate is that the series was decided by defense and rebounding. It was a low-scoring, poorly shot affair all around, and the Lakers won the rebounding battle by a landslide in their four wins. Gasol was by far their most impressive rebounder in the series, leading everyone in both the amount he collected and his skill in doing so in the trenches, picking up the tough ones in traffic (not the long caroms that guards usually end up with). On top of that, his strong interior defense set the tone for the Lakers, who rode their defense to the championship; Bryant spent the series playing centerfield far off of Rajon Rondo, certainly not a stopper or defensive game-changer in any capacity.

Statistically, Gasol's input in his Lakers' le defense was significantly more important than that of Bryant. Obviously Kobe's 29 points per look better than Gasol's 19, but it was simply the result of shooting an insane amount of shots at a low percentage. Although the Lakers shot a pitiful 41% over their seven games with Boston, Bryant actually made things worse by shooting 40% (66-163). Not only that, but in a series full of close fourth-quarter battles, Bryant shot an abysmal 31% (11-36) in the games' final periods. Gasol connected on a team-high 48% from the field, hitting 43 of 90 attempts. His efficiency from the field was instrumental in stressing a tight Boston defense.

From a distribution/running-the-O standpoint, Gasol far trumped Kobe in the Finals. The big Spaniard lead the entire Laker squad with a phenomenal 26-13 (2.0) assist-turnover rate. He did a great job passing out of double teams, passing out of the low-post, high-post, perimeter, etc. The only player to accrue more assists on LA was the primary ball handler, Bryant, who handed out one more, 27. Unfortunately for the team, he also turned the ball over 27 times for a terrible 1.0 ratio. It could have been much worse if his teammates didn't hustle to retain possession on numerous Bryant passes that were tipped away by the Celtics into random spaces each game. Offensively, there is no question that Gasol was far more important to the overall success and effectiveness of the Lakers' attack.

Considering the winner of all seven games was also the team that lead each contest in rebounds, this part of their games cannot be overlooked. Gasol was the top rebounder by quite a substantial margin for the series, snagging 11.6 boards per, including an incredible 5.0 offensive each night. With the rest of the Lakers shooting such a low percentage from the field, Gasol's offensive rebounds and the subsequent second-chance points alone were regularly the difference between winning and losing. He surpassed his rebound average in four of the seven games, so there were no single-game totals that pushed his average so high.

Bryant chipped in with an impressive 8.0 rebounds per, including 1.7 offensive, but it should be pointed out he met or exceeded that average only twice. A few outliers skewed his average above a true indication of what he contributed in this category. Not only that, most of Gasol's boards were grabbed in the middle of hard-fought scrums in the paint, whereas Bryant's were usually of the long-bounce-right-to-him variety.

Defensively, Gasol's man-to-man defense is alright, but his ability to energetically block and redirect shots was unparalleled, blocking 18 for the series (2.6 per) and persuading multiple potential shots to not be taken. A big man's defensive presence is always more valuable than a wing's because they have to help clean up the mess opposing guards make when they drive into the paint. That being said, Bryant's defense wasn't responsible for much in the series. He guarded Rajon Rondo, who can't shoot, by hanging out in the lane; Bryant rarely had to hustle or be responsible for containing any tough plays. Rondo still ended up averaging 14 points and 8 assists for the series. Bryant did get credit for 15 steals over the seven games, 8 of which came in two home contests when any deflections caused by his teammates' hustle were given to him if LA's stats keepers determined he gained possession in the end. NBA stats keepers, who work for individual clubs, are allowed a lot of leeway in determining who to give credit for steals, which is why it's one of the most home-oriented statistics for star players.

Pau Gasol was clearly the most impressive player in the 2010 Finals and deserved to win the Bill Russell MVP Award. This is not a slight to Bryant, it's just that Gasol is that good. He is the only other player in the best-big-in-the-league discussion with Dwight Howard. Duncan's slowing speed has taken away a lot of his defense, and Chris Bosh is neither a defender, passer, winner, or much more than a pedestrian shooter inside. On the other hand, the best perimeter player in the league is an argument involving Chris Paul, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Deron Williams, Steve Nash, Kevin Durant, maybe Jason Kidd, and Bryant.

Gasol is doing some special things right now that have brought the Lakers out of their three-year .500-ball funk and into a great stretch of Finals runs that includes two les. It's time he got his due.

Great article I will recommend ...

Looking at straight stats is silly. Just like many on here argue that it was the defensive attention on shaq that allowed Kobe to push the Spurs ish in in the early 2000's ...the same argument can be made here. The Celts never doubled Pau. Now they did NOT double Kobe either ... but if you watched the series Stopping Kobe was their main focus and they shaded their defensive help to prevent Kobe from attacking the paint. Pierce and company did yeoman's work on Kobe ... yet Kobe still had a significant impact on that series.

I dont even have a major issue with the argument for Pau as the MVP in 2010 ...in 2009 though it's a fool's argument. In fact in many ways Bynum injuring Perkins was pretty significant as well, considering how close Game 7 was ...

Kobe played a similar role to Duncan (drawing most of the defensive attention) when Parker won Finals MVP ...however Kobe was the leading scorer in the 2010 finals and I would argue that points not rebounds were the most precious commodity. As bad as the Lakers and Celtics shot ...there were plenty of rebounds to be had, highlighted by Kobe grabbing so many in Game 7. Points however were so hard to get., making baskets by fisher, Rondo the non big scorers EXTREMELY valuable.

I think it's great that the author wanted to give an underrated Pau his just due. And I would kill to have THAT Pau playing for the Lakers ...

But now who cares? Kobe won that award over 3 years ago. Pau got a nice extension for his play during the Finals run ... and has failed to live up to it ... but i am STILL grateful for helping us get to 16.

His recent play has been encouraging. I just hate to feel as though I need to disparage Pau to rebuttal some silly arguments on here.

Pau has been a great Laker. And I have been a voice here and on LG, despite his recent playoff struggles arguing AGAINST trading him for Kevin Love or ZBO (though I obviously would now reconsider that stance on Klove). He seems like a great guy, a good team-mate and Kobe has constantly defended him publicly and privately (according to sources). I dont want him at $16 or $18 million but if he is willing to give us a discount ...I would welcome him back to our team.

Kobe should also take a substantial pay-cut too btw ...

[Killakobe81]

The prime Pau playing in Memphis never won a single game in the playoffs either

Truth hurts ... part two ...

[Michael Jordan.]

The prime Pau playing in Memphis never won a single game in the playoffs either

The Grizzlies never made the playoffs before Pau either.

[DMC]

Great article I will recommend ...

Looking at straight stats is silly. Just like many on here argue that it was the defensive attention on shaq that allowed Kobe to push the Spurs ish in in the early 2000's ...the same argument can be made here. The Celts never doubled Pau. Now they did NOT double Kobe either ... but if you watched the series Stopping Kobe was their main focus and they shaded their defensive help to prevent Kobe from attacking the paint. Pierce and company did yeoman's work on Kobe ... yet Kobe still had a significant impact on that series.

I dont even have a major issue with the argument for Pau as the MVP in 2010 ...in 2009 though it's a fool's argument. In fact in many ways Bynum injuring Perkins was pretty significant as well, considering how close Game 7 was ...

Kobe played a similar role to Duncan (drawing most of the defensive attention) when Parker won Finals MVP ...however Kobe was the leading scorer in the 2010 finals and I would argue that points not rebounds were the most precious commodity. As bad as the Lakers and Celtics shot ...there were plenty of rebounds to be had, highlighted by Kobe grabbing so many in Game 7. Points however were so hard to get., making baskets by fisher, Rondo the non big scorers EXTREMELY valuable.

I think it's great that the author wanted to give an underrated Pau his just due. And I would kill to have THAT Pau playing for the Lakers ...

But now who cares? Kobe won that award over 3 years ago. Pau got a nice extension for his play during the Finals run ... and has failed to live up to it ... but i am STILL grateful for helping us get to 16.

His recent play has been encouraging. I just hate to feel as though I need to disparage Pau to rebuttal some silly arguments on here.

Pau has been a great Laker. And I have been a voice here and on LG, despite his recent playoff struggles arguing AGAINST trading him for Kevin Love or ZBO (though I obviously would now reconsider that stance on Klove). He seems like a great guy, a good team-mate and Kobe has constantly defended him publicly and privately (according to sources). I dont want him at $16 or $18 million but if he is willing to give us a discount ...I would welcome him back to our team.

Kobe should also take a substantial pay-cut too btw ...

So it's a great article but you disagree with it's premise. Instead, you think volume shooting should be rewarded.

[RsxPiimp]

Pau never missed the playoffs in his prime...

Makes me wonder

He sure was leading that team to a lottery in 07-08

http://www.basketball-reference.com/...801280MEM.html

Memphis was 13-32 before Gasol begged for a trade

[Killakobe81]

So it's a great article but you disagree with it's premise. Instead, you think volume shooting should be rewarded.

Sarcasm detector ... broken?

I can't see how anyone could not be encouraged by Pau's play lately AND be rooting for him to get close to his 2010 form. If some LAker fans want him gone ...then by playing well, he ups his trade value. Right now, he is helping us win games and making the games more enjoyable to watch with his slick passing and smooth post play.

I am not completely against tanking, but if Pau plays like this, and our bench continues to thrive, IF Kobe comes back close to form this team can be dangerous. Not a le team by any stretch ... but a team that could pull off a upset.

Just not sure we would not be better off getting a top 10 pick, adding him to a healthy Pau/Kobe (ata reduced price) and signing an additional core piece. No, I dont think Lebron or even Melo are coming to LA ... but if Pau can maintain and Kobe is close to normal when he gets back we are not THAT far away from being a legit contender ...NEXT year ...if we add a top rookie and a legit #2 option.

Let's be honest, Pau at this stage should be a #3 option, similar to Bosh on a legit contender. Miami is NOT going anywhere and for the Lakers to compete for les Pau has to be a third option not a #1 or #2 ... Kobe would also be better off as a #2 option ...but doubt Lakers could acquire a #1 (Lebron/Durant/Paul George) that is better.

[pgardn]

In game 7 of the Finals, definitely.

No Perkins and Pau did not get shoved around.

This has always been his problem. Hugely skilled but easy to beat on.

[Deuce Bigalow]

Lol no shady articles are going to change the facts

29/8/4/2/1 on 41/32/88/53TS/45eFG won the FMVP and was the first option that the defense focused on is better than
19/12/4/1/3 on 48/0/72/56TS/48eFG as second option