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Pau Gasol's Pivotal Role in Lakers' Championship Runs Revealed
30 Jul
Summary
- Jeanie Buss argues Pau Gasol was key to Lakers' 2009 and 2010 titles
- Gasol's seamless integration and sacrifice were crucial for the team
- Lakers front office and coaches credit Gasol for their Finals appearances
In a recent interview, Jeanie Buss, the owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, has argued that Pau Gasol was the key factor behind the team's championship runs in 2009 and 2010, rather than Kobe Bryant alone. Buss explained that the Lakers had struggled to find a well-rounded player who could mesh with Bryant, but Gasol's arrival in 2008 proved to be the missing piece.
Gasol's integration with the team was seamless, both on and off the court. His worldly views, maturity, and high basketball IQ allowed him to complement Bryant's dominance perfectly within the Lakers' triangle offense. Former Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak and assistant coach Luke Walton echoed Buss' sentiments, emphasizing that the team would not have made three straight Finals appearances and won two championships without Gasol's contributions.
The Lakers' front office was particularly impressed by Gasol's humility and willingness to be a secondary option to Bryant. This selfless attitude was crucial for the team's success during that period. Gasol immediately made an impact, averaging 18.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.6 blocks per game in his first 27 games with the Lakers.
While Bryant rightfully won the Finals MVP awards in 2009 and 2010, the Lakers organization and fans recognize Gasol as a true legend of the franchise. His No. 16 jersey was retired in 2023, solidifying his legacy as a key figure in the team's championship history.
