With Pau Gasol’s future with the Lakers uncertain at the moment, we take a look back at one of his best moments in the purple and gold. Gasol was a key component in the team that won back-to-back championships from 2008-2010. Particularly, Gasol was stellar in the matchup with the Boston Celtics in the 2010 Finals.
Gasol entered the playoffs off undoubtably his best season as a Laker averaging 18.3 points and 11.1 rebounds per game, good for third in the league. He really stepped up his game in the playoffs, averaging 19.4 points and 11.3 rebound per game while helping lead the Lakers to series victories over the Thunder, Jazz, and Suns.
— Lakers Nation Store Is Back! Check Out The Latest Gear! —
The Lakers ended up facing their bitter rivals, the Boston Celtics, in the Finals. Boston beat the Lakers 4-2 in the 2008 Finals and much of the blame was put on Gasol’s “softness” and inability to defend Kevin Garnett and Kendrick Perkins.
Gasol contributed throughout the series and came up huge in Game 7. With Kobe Bryant having an off night, Gasol picked up his play with 19 points and grabbed 18 rebounds, nine of which were on the offensive side, to help the Lakers to the win. With the victory, Gasol put to rest any questions about his toughness as he outplayed the entire Celtics frontcourt.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Lakers Pau Gasol Says Kobe Bryant A Deciding Factor This Summer