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Lakers ship Brown to Grizzlies for Gasol
Associated Press
"It's a matter of us just gelling now and putting it together," added Bryant, who urged management to improve the team over the summer. "We've got a great bench. We have a lot of length, a lot of versatility. Now it's time to walk the walk."
Hollywood-bound
The Lakers gave up Kwame Brown, rookie Javaris Crittenton and two first-round draft picks for Gasol. The Spaniard is certain to help a Lakers team reeling from recent injuries to inside players, including blossoming center Andrew Bynum.
"We need a little scoring inside without Andrew Bynum," coach Phil Jackson said. "It gives us a post-up threat right now, and he's a good passer. We like that."
Jackson said Gasol could make his debut when the Lakers visit Washington on Sunday.
"We'd like him to play on Sunday," Jackson said. "I don't know if that's possible or not. He's got to go back to L.A. and have a physical tomorrow."
Gasol, averaging 18.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.44 blocked shots in 39 games this season, can fill in at center until Bynum returns in mid-March, then move to power forward.
"He's a great player," forward Lamar Odom said. "With him and Andrew down there, I'm really excited to see how that works out. We'll protect the basket a little bit more. I'm looking forward to seeing those guys playing together."
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The Grizzlies will get the Lakers' first-round draft choices in 2008 and 2010; guard Aaron McKie, signed earlier Friday for salary cap purposes; cash considerations, and the rights to Gasol's brother Marc, a 2007 second-round pick of Los Angeles.
"That's something you haven't seen before," Jackson said with a chuckle.
The Lakers also receive the Grizzlies' second-round pick in 2010.
Gasol, the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2002 and an All-Star four years later, has averaged 18.8 points, 8.6 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 476 career games with Memphis. The 27-year-old forward-center, under contract for three more years, is the franchise leader in 12 statistical categories, including points, rebounds and blocks.
But the Grizzlies, 13-33 after finishing with the league's worst record last season, decided to clear salary cap space knowing they aren't in position to win in the next couple of years.
"We're a 13-win team, so when you're in that situation, you've got to make moves," Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace said. "Brown was the largest expiring contact we could find in the league where we also got back an attractive young player like Crittenton ... and multiple first-round picks."
Gasol was the MVP of the 2006 world championships after helping Spain win the gold medal.
"I have to take my hat off to (owner Jerry) Buss and Mitch for going forward with this," Bryant said. "Now it's up to us to go out there and work hard."
Odom said he feels "the sky is the limit" for the new-look Lakers.
"We felt like we could compete for a championship with the team we had," Odom said. "With this addition, hopefully that dream comes true."
The Lakers were one of the NBA's best teams before the 20-year-old Bynum injured his left knee Jan. 13 against Memphis, coincidentally. Los Angeles had a 28-16 record entering Friday night's game at Toronto but had lost five of eight since Bynum was injured.
Center Chris Mihm has been sidelined with right ankle problems for several weeks; forward Trevor Ariza broke his right foot in practice Jan. 20 and is expected to be out until mid-March, and forward Luke Walton was day-to-day with a right hip pointer. Jackson said Walton would dress Friday but might not play.
Bryant said his first thoughts upon hearing of the trade were for his teammates heading the other way.
"Javaris was like a little brother to me," Bryant said. "I tried to mentor him as much as I could. Kwame, he's been through a lot of ups and downs but he has a great heart."
Brown has been filling in at center since Bynum was injured, but the first overall pick in the draft by Washington in 2001 has been a significant drop-off from Bynum. Brown, earning $9.1 million this season in the final year of his contract, is averaging 5.7 points and 5.7 rebounds in 23 games. He has averaged 7.6 points and 5.7 rebounds in 389 games with the Wizards and Lakers.
Crittenton, the 19th overall pick in the draft last summer, averaged 3.3 points in 22 games for the Lakers. He was expendable because of the fine play by second-year guard Jordan Farmar as a backup to Derek Fisher. The 20-year-old Crittenton averaged 14.4 points and 5.8 assists as a freshman at Georgia Tech last season.
Marc Gasol, the 48th overall pick in the 2007 draft, is playing for Akasvayu Girona in Spain. The Gasol brothers were members of the Spanish national team in 2006. The younger Gasol is 23 and a 7-1, 280-pounder.
McKie, a 13-year veteran, played in 10 games for the Lakers last season and hasn't played this season. He is expected to be released by the Grizzlies. He has averaged 7.4 points and 2.7 assists for Portland, Detroit, Philadelphia and the Lakers.
The Lakers also signed backup center DJ Mbenga to a second 10-day contract. The 7-footer from the Congo signed his first 10-day contract Jan. 21 and averaged 1.5 points and 1.5 rebounds in four games.
Member Comments
KobeRapes...First off, kobe did not rape that young lady,their sexual encounter was mutual! It has been proven. He is guilty of adultery but not sexual assault. You should really take a look at your handle...it is of great disrespect to women that have endured such a terrible experience. There is nothing funny about it nor does it have a place in the public forum. I feel for your lack of consideration for others and the traumatic events that have become a part of their lives. Secondly, KB was not the reason why Shaq was traded. The truth has finally been unveiled and this topic is so irrelevant. Shaq has been on the downside of a great career for many years now. The Lakers simply realized that 20M a year for a part time player of diminishing skills was not a sound business decision. Look at what the Heat have put themselves in with Shaq. Tons of money for a player that can't give them what they need and strangles their salary cap. They can't trade him, or sign other players b/c of the money they owe him. seeing the Laker Dynasty come to an end was not fun for all us true Laker fans, but nothing lasts forever. Since Shaq left they missed the playoffs 1 time and at least have remained competitive. The Celtics of the 80's and the Bull's of the 90's fell off the NBA radar for many seasons after their teams were dismantled. The Lakers have rebuilt in a pretty short amount of time and are now a legit force in the league again. "Good job" is a worthy comment that should be bestowed on Mitch. He took a lot of heat from fans and even Kobe for some of his decisions. It goes to show that players should play and leave the front office business to those that make it their livelihood. I remember Jordan blasting bulls management b/c he wanted Walter davis and Buck Williams as opposed to Pippen and Grant. Look how that turned out!!! Let go of your hatred and post well informed comments. What you are doing now shows nothing but ignorance and prejudice.
alaskanballa2/4/2008 16:28:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
Too bad they missed out on Webber....(snicker snicker)
nuggjugg2/4/2008 11:19:00 AM(Report inappropriate content)
Oh Yeah!!!! The Spurs better watch out!!!
bigal_19712/4/2008 10:03:00 AM(Report inappropriate content)
FOR ALL OF THE FOLKS OUT THERE THAT AREN'T MATURE ENOUGH TO REMEMBER ... MAGIC WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR AN ENTIRE CHANGE IN THE COACHING STAFF, STYLE OF PLAY, AND MENTALITY OF THE LAKERS WHEN HE FIRST ARRIVED IN LA ... SO FOR KOBE TO MAKE THE NOISE NECESSARY TO MAKE THESE RESULTANT POSITIVE CHANGES IN THE LAKERS MENTALITY NOW ... WAS JUST THAT, NECESSARY!!! THANKS KOBE!!!
doclou2/3/2008 13:26:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
KBRapes you are just a soreloser. Diehardlakerfan? you must be either a knicks or heat fan who only wished who can have kobe on your team. saying crap about kobe just so that lakers can trade him. nice try. before making yourself sound even dumber think you should only care knicks or heat who wished they could have kobe
kwigster052/3/2008 0:19:00 AM(Report inappropriate content)
All we need is for Bynum to come back and the rest of the Western Conference is going to be in trouble. Maybe not this year, but imagine a lineup of Bynum, Gasol, Odom, Bryant and Fisher. Oh and kobebryantrapes, you must be a Clipper fan in disguise. Influencing the demise of a dynasty huh? So Shaq has one more championship than Kobe, what is he doing now? Not a thing. Go joing him in Miami and maybe they will get to the playoffs and lose in the first round. Lakers will advance past the first round this year. Watch all the pronasticators and they have all said the Western Conference teams are all in trouble. Go Lakers and Go Kobe.
mania162/2/2008 23:07:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
This is for KobeRapes??? Man you are a discrace to the Diehard Laker Fans! Maybe you are on the wrong team. I think you belong with Shaq in Miami because, you both are losers LOL!!! What do you say to that? my real laker brothers and <br />sisters Fans. <br />This could not have happened at a better time Gasol, is a solid player not to flashy but gets the job done almost like a spur I know of but, not as many pts as Mr. Duncan. This is great for lakers fans because as good as Kobe is he can't win this championship alone so i'm proud of the lakers staff for this trade. Picture this all you laker haters Fisher,Bryant,Odom,Gasol,Bynum. Mannnnnn Thats Tough!!!! ya'll better get ready because the Lake show is back for a ring. Shoot!! The suns don't stand a chance actually nobody does except Boston and, Detroit.<br /><br />Oh and one more thing Can somebody please slap Bill Walton upside his head he has to be the worst commentator ever when it comes to the lakers and his own blood plays for us maybe Kareem or Wilt gave him nightmares when they used to punish him in the paint it's ok Bill Dr. Phil can help you through this LOL!!!! Cheer up Laker haters.
GohardLakers2/2/2008 21:53:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
Good trade from LA. Memphis is obviously looking to next year already. Problem for them is...who wants to sign with them even if they have all that salary cap money? Their known to be a losing franchise so i doubt they can get somebody through free agency this off season. Unless they pay someone BIG time money. Good job by Mitch, giving the Grizz nothing in return. Though i think Odom should come off the bench and let Walton play the 3. Makes the bench even more deeper when Bynum gets back. Always have a go to scorer and by putting Odom as the 6th man, this team is in for a big year. But even if they dont do that, this team looks like they have the best starting 5 in the NBA. The west is into a big shakeup. Good to see LA back on the championship level. I see no glaring weakness now on this team. Not to mention they have one of the best producing benches in the league. Gotta love this trade. And as for Kobe Haters, F*%# off.
kimark2/2/2008 21:49:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
Kobebryantrapes:<br /><br />You have got to be the biggest idiot on the planet!<br />You say you are a "die hard Laker fan" You have got to be kidding! You are probably a snotty, pimple faced, punk just looking for trouble! You are not a Laker fan so why don't you go to another site and spread your bs somewhere else! Moron!
LAFanDan2/2/2008 18:44:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
KBRapes, you need to check the record before you dis your team's star! Dr. Buss, Kuptchak, and Shaq himself have all stated on national t.v. (ESPN, Quite Frankly, ABC)that Kobe didn't ask for Shaq to be dealt. Shaq demanded the trade because Buss wouldn't give him more money. It was a business decision. Shaq hasn't played more than 50 gms. in the past SIX years. He thinks he can play himself into shape but he's too old. Dwyane Wade questioned his work ethic 2 months ago, which is all Kobe did. If you're the "big brother" and it's your team, lead by example, and come into camp in shape. He did it for Riley. Besides, we all know Kobe was more vital to our championships than Shaq cuz Shaq had to sit out almost the entire 4th quarters of close games cuz he can't make a phuckin' free throw! You call yourself a "die-hard Laker fan"?
ballr4lyf2/2/2008 17:39:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
Lakers-Celtics in finals again! man, oh man! better believe it folks, the rivalry is back. i've been thinkin bout this since the celtics got KG and allen, and now that the lakers have gasol, there's no question they'll be king of the west once andrew gets back healthy! can't wait to see these teams in the finals again!
malcolm572/2/2008 15:54:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
Check you tube.<br /><br />When kobe was told on tape that the laker's got Gasol he scoffed & said "good stuff".
KobeBryantRapes2/2/2008 15:10:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
Kobe is such a biotch!! They won't get past the first round if that! Im a die hard laker fan but I resent that snot for influencing the demise of the dynasty.Pau Gasol? Yeah o.k but he's no duncan,nowitski or garnett.<br />We we're doomed the day shaq left.<br /><br />F Kobe
KobeBryantRapes2/2/2008 15:08:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
This is the basketball equivalent of the Randy Moss trade. Not that Gasol will have that kind of impact, but he will stop sulking and be the kind of force he was in past years. Even better, there's no pressure as he's now just a piece of the puzzle instead of the whole thing like he was in Memphis. Look for him to go 20/12 with 2/3 blocked shots for the rest of the season.
Not4lng2/2/2008 13:41:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
THANKS JERRY WEST, IF THE CELTICS CAN DO IT SO CAN THE LAKERS. ODOM BACK AT SMALL FORWARD, DICTATES A DBL DBL NO EXCUSES NOW. WALTON AND RADMANOVICH EXPENDABLE SHOULD OF SENT ONE OF THEM INSTEAD OF FIRST RD PICKS. LAKER REVENGE TIME IS HERE. NOTHING BUT THE SOUND OF CRICKETS COMING FROM PHOENIX AND SAN ANTONIO
LOWPROFILE2/2/2008 12:31:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
Can't wait to see a Grizzlies game in which the 2 Biggest Bust, Darko "No No" Milicic and Kwame "Doo Doo" Brown are on the court at the same time. It will be like watching a Train Wreck. You don't want to look but can't help yourself.......
DeeBoe2/2/2008 10:51:00 AM(Report inappropriate content)
I'm a Laker fan...and God Loves me! How else could I wake up on Saturaday morning with Kwame "manos de piedra" Brown replaced with PAU GASOL!!! Dreams do come true...in LAKERLAND!! :)
Renaman2/2/2008 9:40:00 AM(Report inappropriate content)
Lakers are the best team on paper we finally have a true power forward we are going to take the west when everyone returns back healthy theirs no stopping us a true center like Bynum and a true Power forward like Gasol showtime is back, we have a great bench Sasha is stepping up things looking right for LA about time lets do it Lakers theirs no more Kobe trade talk, he just have to be the leader and the captain and stay with it and win. Teams look out a new sheriff is in town and it call the Lakers ball up lets play
YUNGKUTTY232/2/2008 9:24:00 AM(Report inappropriate content)
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