While there has been a definite visible improvement in the two-man game between Kobe Bryant and Dwight Howard, we cannot forget about the dynamic duo that led the Lakers to back-to-back championships in 2009 and 2010.
For five years now, we have seen Batman and Robin, a.k.a Kobe and Pau, have a connection and a symbiotic relationship on and off the court. When those two are on, there’s very little to stop them. After recent struggles, this duo is recently gaining momentum, which Pau wants to showcase more down the stretch.
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According to Mark Medina of the L.A. Daily News, Pau said after Friday’s thrilling win:
“It’s smart if we continue to do that, not just for ourselves, but for the rest of the guys,” Gasol said. “It creates easier shots for everybody else out there.”
“We’re both knowledgable players. We both have high basketball IQs. We’re both high quality players,” Gasol added. “It’s not just about making plays, but starting the offense that way and seeing how the defense reacts. Then we can set somebody else up for a good shot. That’s important. That’s what we can do as players. I’d like to see it happen the way it’s been happening lately.”
Individually, Gasol has arguably had his worst year of his NBA career this season. Not only have his overall stats seen a dramatic dip, but his health and the role on the team have been inconsistent as well. However, Gasol remains arguably the best big man playmaker in the game, and still has an impact to the team.
Gasol is recently starting to pick-up his contribution as his conditioning is starting to get back to what it was before all of his injuries this season. Over the last five games, Gasol has averaged 14.8 points, 7.8 rebounds and 5.0 assists.
Hopefully, the Kobe and Pau two-man game will continue to progress this season as the Lakers fight to secure the eighth seed in the West, and also have some highlights during Sunday’s match against the Clippers.
