Fri, Feb 1, 2008 at 12:00am

GASOL HEADS TO LAKERS

Los Angeles Lakers acquired forward Pau Gasol and a second-round draft pick in 2010 from the Memphis Grizzlies for center Kwame Brown, Javaris Crittenton, Aaron Mckie, the draft rights to Marc Gasol and a first-round draft pick in 2008 and 2010.

What does it give the Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers simply get one of the NBA's elite big-men in his prime. Gasol is a coach's dream: a 7-footer who can run the floor like a guard, pass the rock, rebound and score in the paint, and play great defense. His addition next to currently-injured center Andrew Bynum lets Lamar Odom move to small forward and Kobe Bryant shift to shooting guard, giving L.A. one of the biggest and most talented lineups in the NBA. The move is sure to keep Bryant from wanting a trade, and makes L.A. a legitimate title contender.

What does it give the Memphis Grizzlies
They moved a big salary and a player who wasn't terribly happy in Memphis, but it's hard to see this as a good move by the Grizz. Even disgruntled, Gasol is in his prime at 27 and is one of the NBA's elite big-men. Those don't grow on trees. Crittenton is the most talented player they get back but Memphis already has two talented young point guards. It's ironic they acquired Gasol's brother Marc, since he won't likely have a good impression of Memphis (being Pau's brother) and isn't as talented. The first-round draft picks aren't likely to bring players of Pau Gasol's talent-level. Brown has been mostly a bust, and while he has an expiring contract that will add $9 Million toward a future free agent, it's tough to see that free agent being as good as Gasol. McKie is obviously a throw-in to make the salaries match up. Not a great deal for the Grizz.

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