Pau Gasol's Coming to LA!

I was watching Los Angeles Lakers versus Toronto Raptors game a moment ago in which Kobe Bryant and the Lakers hammered the Raptors when the news erupted. Well, the live commentators were talking to each other and they mentioned the name of Pau Gasol for quite a few times, which was pretty weird since Pau was playing with Memphis. Ignorance soon turned to curiosity, and as the match progressed I paid a closer attention to their chitchatting. It was only seconds away from the final whistle that it dawned on me that the Lakers had just completed a blockbuster deal that sends one-time all star and 2006 FIBA Championship Most Valuable Player Pau Gasol to the team!

It is the news the Lakers players and fans from all around the world have been waiting for, one that will surely elevate our capacity to dream to a higher ground. It is even sweeter given the series of bad luck that has been hampering the team of late, with recent results not going our way and injuries to Luke Walton, Trevor Ariza and most disturbingly star center Andrew Bynum.

I just cannot wait to watch Pau donning the purple and gold jersey for the first time, adding more punches to the already deadly offensive forces consisted of Lamar Odom, Andrew, and spearheaded by none other than Kobe. But of course Andrew first needs to get healthy. Now here are the new team’s lineups I am imagining; Andrew, when healthy will play center, Pau as power forward, Lamar shifting to the smaller position, Kobe the shooting guard, and Derek Fisher will run the backcourt. Boy, is not this your dream starting five?

On a more personal level, this acquisition also brings a new kind of spirit to me amidst the horrible runs of my other favourite sporting team, albeit in a different kind of field, Liverpool. Anyway, here is a healthy reminder to the rest of NBA teams; buck up or be ready to get buckled by the all-new Los Angeles Lakers!