It's hard to fault Pau Gasol for his 2011-12 performance for the Los Angeles Lakers.
He didn't score quite as much, nor did he score quite as efficiently as he had throughout his previous three-and-a-half seasons wearing Purple and Gold. The slight decline seems worse than it was on account of the fact that Gasol wasn't named to his fourth consecutive All-Star game.
However, none of this is a sign the 32-year-old is on the wrong side of his career.
He may only have a handful of good years left in him, but they have the potential to be very good years—especially with Steve Nash around.
Gasol spent much of his time patrolling the post or popping out on the perimeter last season. In an attempt to spread the floor, he proved his value as one of Los Angeles' most consistent perimeter shooters.
Those typically didn't involve three-point buckets, but Gasol excels at hitting the long two.
He'll almost certainly be asked to do more of the same next time around, but the Lakers will have an opportunity to use the Spaniard more effectively and more often.
That will be thanks in large part to Nash fac ...
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Article written by Stephen Babb
L.A. Lakers Must Change Pau Gasol’s Role for Star to Deliver
July 24th, 2012 by Stephen Babb Leave a reply »
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