Early the next morning, on February 2, the news that Gasol had quietly joined the Lakers suddenly swept through the entire North American sports circle like a bomb exploding.
"Memphis Business Weekly", "Los Angeles Times", ESPN, NBA official website, Yahoo Sports and other heavyweight media have successively reported that the Lakers and Grizzlies have completed the transaction.
NBA official website headline: Gasol joins Lakers deal completed!
ESPN headlines: Trade Gasol, Grizzlies and Lakers get what they need!
Los Angeles Times headline: Gasol teams up with Kobe, Lakers head to championship!
"..."
"The Lakers are a team of robbers. They exchanged a few coins for $100. This is an act of robbery!
I hope the league can maintain a fair trading environment. This deal is undoubtedly cheating and shameless to other teams!
The trading chips between the Lakers and the Grizzlies were seriously unbalanced. The Grizzlies gave powerful insider Gasol to the Lakers for "free", which made it more difficult for the Spurs to continue to compete for the championship! "
In fact, it’s not surprising that Bo Povich would jump like an angry rabbit. He was so anxious that he would naturally bite someone.
He obviously will not forget the "OK Era". A young Kobe and a peak Shark, a powerful inside and outside combination, brought much trouble to the Spurs at that time.
At that time, the Lakers and Spurs met for four consecutive years, and the Lakers won three times and created a dynasty.
The Spurs won once and created a "dynasty" that enjoys itself in odd-numbered years.
What the hell are odd years? That's it? Return to the dynasty, are you polite?
Now Kobe is at his peak, partnering with Gasol at his peak. This is undoubtedly another nearly insurmountable mountain on the way to the Spurs' rise.
You know, the European insider Gasol's style of play is very suitable for the triangle offensive system. Gasol's passing support is tantamount to even more powerful.
There is no doubt that Gasol will be the perfect piece for the Lakers to win the championship.
In fact, don't blame Povich for being too frank. The Spurs he led, dare to say that other teams are garbage, except for the current Lakers!
If the Lakers rise, it means that the Spurs will not be able to get ahead for a long time.
Without Gasol's inside support and just an unsolvable Kobe, the Spurs will not be controlled by the Lakers. Now that Gasol has joined the Lakers, it has changed the format of the Western Conference. If he doesn't jump, who will?
Not to mention, the Lakers' transfer operations are too rough and there are faults.
To be fair, based on the seven major bargaining chips offered by the Timberwolves and Celtics in trading Garnett, there is nothing wrong with the chips given by the Lakers.
After all, although Kwame Brown is the parallel import No. 1 pick, he is a qualified starting inside man. The key is that his contract ends at the end of the season. There is nothing wrong with trading him for a lower first-round pick.
Christanton was the 19th pick in the first round in 2007, plus the two first-round picks in 2008 and 10, a total of 4 first-round picks. He is a "soft guy" who can't win with a high salary and is still clamoring to leave. , the Grizzlies really didn't lose.
After all, although Gasol is a superstar-level insider in the international arena, he is not accustomed to it in the NBA. This is a recognized fact.
The best choice for the Grizzlies is to send Gasol to the East. The Bulls and Cavaliers were once close to winning Gasol, but they just underestimated Gasol's value. His performance is too confusing in the NBA and is a loss. Yes, even if Gasol joins the Lakers, he will come with doubts. After all, Gasol is called sister-in-law for a reason.
Not to mention, there is also Gasol's lottery ticket to scratch. He looks puffy, naive, and does not have the appearance of a superstar. However, he performed well in the Spanish League in 2008 and performed at the MVP level.
If Gasol hadn't joined the Lakers and partnered with Kobe, but had joined the Bulls and partnered with Hinrich, Popovich would have absolutely no problem. He probably wouldn't have heard the news, so he wouldn't feel the trade. Unfair, but, the Lakers are the exception.
Do you think this is possible? Bo Povich is afraid of Kobe with help, not Gasol.
The same will be true for Chris Paul in 2011. The Lakers' deal was reversed.
The NBA president also vetoed it, but James' brother Basketball didn't care.
If they both want to leave, the key is for Paul to go to the Clippers.
Of course, the reason why the Lakers' trading operations are rough and questioned is because, in order to make up for the salary parity, the Lakers actually signed Aaron McGee, who almost retired due to injury, to make up the money. Demanovic's contract is enough to make up the amount, so he won't be bitten by Bo Povich.
In addition to Bo Povich being furious, the Bulls and Cavaliers regretted it. After all, the Grizzlies were willing to trade Gasol, but the chips were not negotiated. As long as they were willing to increase money, Gasol was likely to be the one to trade. One of them.
However, the problem still lies with Gasol. He is too soft. The price was too high and not worth it. The price was too low. The Grizzlies were unwilling and just dragged on like this. As a result, with the secret help of West, , cheapened the Lakers.
Gasol joined the Lakers, making the Lakers become a super championship team competing with the Celtics.
The Suns, Mavericks, Warriors, and even the Rockets, such powerful teams in the Western Conference, are beginning to feel insecure.
The Suns expedited the trade of Marion and O'Neal to swap teams.
The Mavericks are more determined to pursue Kidd.
The Rockets are just joining in the fun, because their boss can't spend money to strengthen the lineup, and what they're worried about is not competing for the championship, but wanting to break through the first round of the playoffs, which doubles the difficulty.
It's too difficult, Yao Mai, when will he be able to reach the second round of the playoffs?
…
On the night of February 2, Gasol was eager to return home. He came to the hotel where the Lakers were staying for an away game in the middle of the night. After taking a shower, he was just getting ready to go to bed when there was a knock on the door.
At 1 o'clock in the middle of the night, he knocked on his door!
As an adult, Gasol naturally knows what is going on. He happened to be very excited about joining the Lakers. The service came at the right time. If possible, it is okay to add money.
Gasol opened the door, his face a little dazed.
Accident or not? Surprised or not?
The person who came was not one of those "waiting for help" female health care technicians, but the incredibly handsome Kobe Bryant.
"Brother, I'm glad you're joining the Lakers. Now let's win a championship together."
Hearing Kobe's words, Gasol was obsessed for a moment and was deeply attracted by Kobe. This was something that no one in the Grizzlies had ever said to him.
"I also want to win, so I can do whatever I am asked to do." Gasol also went all out and nodded affectionately.
Meet at 1am!
Kobe's arrogant words of 'I can do whatever I want' did not cause any misunderstanding. Then, he hugged Gasol, and then began to talk about life and ideals. The key is to talk about a few cents. .
At noon the next day, Kobe personally cleaned up Gasol and took Gasol directly to the training arena.
There are no cocktail parties, no feasting, just a basketball, a court, and then Kobe and Gasol.
Gasol was completely convinced. Even if someone told him that Kobe had seen the streets of Los Angeles at four o'clock in the morning, he would not feel surprised or suspicious, because Kobe was a real basketball person.
Why can he be so powerful?
Still never satisfied?
In his brief contact with Kobe, Gasol only saw the tip of the iceberg of Kobe, but it was the purest tip of basketball.
That night, February 3, MCI Center Arena.
Lakers VS Wizards away.
Gasol was wearing a suit and tie, sitting on the sidelines, watching Kobe's mesmerizing personal performance on the court.
DeShawn Stevenson was publicly executed.
In the first quarter, Kobe defended him and missed 0 of 0 shots. Offensively, Kobe made 6 of 8 shots, 1 of 2 three-pointers, and 6 of 6 free throws. He scored 19 points, 4 rebounds, and 0 assists in a single quarter. Kobe gave Gasol showed the most selfish, most incomprehensible and most offensive and defensive side for Gasol to watch.
One man singled out the entire team, leading the Lakers to defeat the Wizards with a score of 30 to 15 in the first quarter, taking a 15-point lead.
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In the second quarter, Kobe Bryant played very restrained and only scored 6 points. The Lakers' triangle offensive system operated very smoothly, with many hits. Everyone joined the attack and beat the Wizards with a score of 33 to 26.
At the end of the first half, the Lakers took a 22-point lead and almost sealed the victory.
No matter what, the Wizards did not lose unjustly. Their trident now only has Jamison and Caron Butler.
As for General Arenas, he was not suspended for shooting, but was injured after playing only 13 games this season. It is estimated that he will not be able to return until the playoffs, provided that the Wizards can make the playoffs.
Without Arenas, using Nick Young, a rookie, to make up the numbers and compete with Kobe Bryant in scoring is simply courting death.
Buzz—!
As the buzzer sounded, the game time ended, and the score was 114 to 91. The Lakers had a 23-point advantage, beating the Wizards and winning three consecutive games.
Kobe played 35 minutes and clocked out for almost three quarters. He made 10 of 15 shots, 2 of 5 three-pointers, and 8 of 10 free throws. He scored 30 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists. His performance was strong and comfortable.
Su Bei returned to his role as a role player and didn't have many opportunities. He only scored 13 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists, which was pretty good.
Jamison scored 21 points and Butler 15 points. Without Arenas' suppression and the Wizards' lineup without reinforcements, the two prongs could not withstand the impact of the golden guns.
…
February 5, Air Force Arena.
Night falls.
At this time, the Nets' home court was about to play a regular game against the Lakers. The lights were bright and there was a sea of people.
During the warm-up, Kobe and Kidd chatted about a few cents. Phil Jackson once thought about trading Kobe for Kidd, so he was naturally more concerned about Kidd. Later, both sides recognized each other's strength and planned to work together. The two of them missed the opportunity to join forces just because of the inaction of the Lakers management house.
However, it does not affect their chat.
Later, Kobe and Carter also chatted, but nothing happened. Although Carter was on the decline and Kobe was at his peak, they were both the top four shooting guards, and there was still a lot to talk about. After all, plus they usually met against each other. , a few cents is probably not enough, we have to add more money.
Gasol said hello and chatted with Jefferson for a few days. Both of them debuted in 2001, one was the third overall pick and the other was the 13th overall pick. They were both relatively legendary picks. There were many topics to talk about. The key is to show Gasol's presence and show the world that he is already a member of the Lakers.
Su Bei did not chat, but quietly practiced shooting.
At this time, the first lineups of both sides for tonight's match were also displayed on the big screen in the arena.
The Nets' starting five are Josh Boone, Sean Williams, Jefferson, Carter, and Kidd.
The Lakers' starting five are Gasol, Odom, Su Bei, Kobe and Fisher.
This game will be broadcast live on TNT radio, with Barkley and Kenny Smith as commentary partners.
"There may not be any suspense in this game, the Lakers will defeat the Nets.
The Lakers' internal strength was originally stronger than that of the Nets, and now that All-Star Gasol has joined the team, the Lakers have been upgraded to a championship-level team.
The Nets don't have a trace of ambition. The inside combination is composed of first-round picks in 2006 and 2007.
In the interior matchup, almost an all-star combination, against two rookie combinations, I really can't imagine the Lakers losing!
The only highlight of this game now is Gasol's debut. What content will he play?
Can Gasol fit into this Lakers team? How much time is needed? "
“Really, just looking inside, the two teams are players at different levels.
Looking at the outside, Kobe is there to suppress them. Even though the Nets' three perimeter shooters are all-stars, they may not have much chance of winning against Kobe.
Of course, it also depends on Kidd's offensive performance. If there is a basket, the Nets still have a chance to win. After all, Kidd, who can attack, is terrifying on the court..."
The game begins!
Beep——!
When the whistle sounded, the referee threw the basketball high in the air. Gasol defeated Josh Boone and scored the first offense for the Lakers.
"Fisher controlled the ball to the frontcourt and immediately passed the ball to Kobe. Kobe didn't play and lobbed the basketball to Gasol. The Nets' defense collectively shrank.
Gasol hit his back twice and passed the basketball to Kobe. Kobe made a sudden move and then transferred it to Su Bei's hands.
Or should I try to see if there are bullets in the three-point pistol?
Otherwise, the Nets will just give the Lakers a turtle shell without showing the head.
Su Bei caught the ball, raised his hand and made a three-point jumper..."
When Jefferson pounces, he can only make a show of it. The inside line is so bad that he has no choice between defending inside or outside.
Swish——!
Got it!
There are bullets!
Su Bei's three-pointer opened up the Lakers' scoring account.
3 to 0!
The Nets attacked, Kidd took the ball to the frontcourt and observed it.
"The Lakers also shrank. Gasol and Odom couldn't protect the basket. However, with their long hands and long hands, the two-point area was covered, leaving little space for the Nets to attack inside.
Kidd hit Fisher on the back and was immediately defended.
Kidd stabilized the situation and continued to look for opportunities. After 15 seconds, Kidd did not panic.
Huh?
Kidd suddenly jumped up with the ball, raised his hand and blinded Jiba to throw three-pointers randomly. Although the offensive choice was poor, it was very reasonable..."
Fisher pounced, again just for show. In terms of physical talent, he was too far behind Kidd.
Bang-dang——!
However, you will die if you try. Kidd's three-point attempt missed the target.
The nickname Ji Bu Gong became famous, not without reason.
Fighting for three points with Su Bei is no different from seeking death.
"Gasol got the rebound and immediately passed the ball to Fisher. After passing the ball halfway, he handed the basketball to Kobe.
Kobe continued to feed Gasol, but Carter shrank up and flanked him. Kobe cut into the basket, Gasol passed the ball to Kobe, and Kobe connected with Kobe. Kobe pulled the ball up and shot a two-point fadeaway jumper. Take action..."
Carter went to make up for it, and it was... not too late. Kobe lifted the basketball into the basket from the air. Gasol understood it, turned around and entered the penalty area, jumped up, made an alley-oop, dunked with both hands, and slammed the basketball into the basket.
Bang-dang——!
Gasol's entire body was hanging on the basket.
5 to 3!
After landing, Gasol bumped chests with the approaching Kobe to celebrate.
Gasol's first time with the Lakers...the assist was personally orchestrated by Kobe.
"Gakko's line defense is too difficult, and many teams probably can't do it!
Gasol is already very good in the low post. Gasol also plays reasonably and can pass the ball and support. Coupled with Kobe's attack, these two levels of offense will make the defense of ordinary teams weak.
However, if Kobe still plays very selflessly, what can you use to support him? "
You can't stand it!
…
