This Day In Lakers History: Pau Gasol Acquired In Blockbuster Trade With Grizzlies
Pau Gasol, Lakers
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

On Feb. 1, 2008, the Los Angeles Lakers swung a franchise-altering trade with the Memphis Grizzlies that netted All-Star big man Pau Gasol and a second-round draft pick in exchange for Kwame Brown, Javaris Crittenton, Aaron McKie, the draft rights to Marc Gasol and first-round picks in 2008 and 2010.

Prior to Gasol’s arrival, Los Angeles carried legitimate postseason aspirations with the excellent play of Kobe Bryant, Lamar Odom and Andrew Bynum. But with the Spaniard now in the fold, the Lakers further solidified themselves as a championship contender.

Gasol instantly made his impact felt on both ends and carried the Lakers to a 22-5 record with him in the starting lineup. L.A. would then cruise through the first three rounds of the playoffs and advanced to the NBA Finals for the first time since the 2003-04 season.

Though the Lakers fell short to the Boston Celtics in six games, Gasol would help lead the Lakers to three consecutive NBA Finals appearances and two championships.

Along the way he etched himself into Lakers history with many clutch and game-winning shots in the postseason.

Most notably was Gasol’s gutsy performance in Game 7 of the 2010 NBA Finals against the Celtics, which included a basket to ice the victory and propel the Lakers to their 16th NBA championship in franchise history.

Gasol’s tenure with the Lakers came to an end in 2014, but his legacy speaks for itself. In addition to two championships, he was selected to three All-Star teams (2009-11) and was named to the All-NBA Second Team in 2011, as well as the All-NBA Third Team on two separate occasions (2009-10).

In seven seasons with the Lakers, Gasol averaged per game totals of 17.7 points, 9.9 rebounds and 3.5 assists on 52.2 shooting. Defensively, he added 1.4 blocks and 0.6 steals, and only committed two turnovers per contest.

Lakers retired Pau Gasol’s jersey

Given all that Pau Gasol accomplished in the Lakers organization and with him being inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2023, his No. 16 jersey went up into the Crypto.com Arena rafters in March of 2023.

Gasol will be enshrined in Lakers history forever with his jersey sitting right next to Bryant’s No. 24.

Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!

You May Also Like

Lakers News: Russell Westbrook Signs With Superagent Jeff Schwartz Of Excel Sports

Russell Westbrook’s future with the Los Angeles Lakers remains unclear — as shown by the guard’s split from his long-time agent…

2021 NBA All-Star: Lakers’ LeBron James Drafts Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo With No. 1 Pick

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James and two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo will star for Team LeBron in the 2021…

Lakers News: D’Angelo Russell Fined $15,000 For Kicking Ball Into Stands Against Warriors

The NBA announced on Monday that they have fined Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell $15,000 for kicking the game ball…

Lakers News: Larry Nance Jr. Recalls Learning From Kobe Bryant, LeBron James

Since LeBron James entered the NBA in 2003, either he or Los Angeles Lakers icon Kobe Bryant has been at the…