Article: Los Angeles Times - Gasol-driven geometry gives Lakers some space

[SoCalMike]

Source: Gasol-driven geometry gives Lakers some space

They're 21-5 with Pau Gasol in the lineup, an .808 winning percentage which, projected over a season, would be better than Boston's NBA-best .800.

With Gasol, they go from erratic fits and starts (see: the last three seasons) to sleek efficiency.

In tandem with Kobe Bryant, Lamar Odom's reluctance to shoot always seemed to leave Bryant with the predicament of whether to shoot too much or not enough.

However, in a trio with Gasol, Bryant and Odom are fabulous.

Alongside Gasol, the game is exponentially easier for Bryant, whose shooting percentage and assist average went up this season from 45% to 48% and from 4.3 to 4.8 with Pau.

The game changes completely for Odom, who goes from marginal No. 2 option to devastating No. 3, shooting 59% alongside Gasol and 49% without him.

Oh, and Gasol is also averaging 19 points and shooting 59% as a Laker.

"He makes it all come together," said San Antonio Coach Gregg Popovich, "in the sense that when you've got a big guy in the triangle who can pass, catch and shoot the way he does, he's not just an offensive threat.

"He creates spacing for the triangle which is great. He's somebody who passes out of it. It just gets everybody involved the right way, gets everybody enthused and confident.

[Frank Foley]

Alongside Gasol, the game is exponentially easier for Bryant, whose shooting percentage and assist average went up this season from 45% to 48% and from 4.3 to 4.8 with Pau.

Where did Heisler get those numbers? Kobe's assist average is 5.4, and it's been above 5 since very early in January (i.e., a month before the Pau trade).

[LakerDynasty00]

Yeah doesn't make sense since his average for the season is well over both those totals. Lol.