Pau Gasol is now a Laker. He is in prime position to become one of the BEST NBA stars in the coming years, which he has all the necessary tools to do so. But will the Lakers, Phil Jackson, Kobe, and even the NBA itself let him?
He has only 1 ALL-STAR GAME Appearance (despite winning ROOKIE OF THE YEAR award), when he should be a 7-time NBA ALL-STAR already by now.
As a Laker, he should not only start winning NBA Titles, but start making ALL-STAR appearances also. But I have my doubts. Expect YAO MING to start HOGGING All-Star Voting Ballots, especially at the CENTER position, when either GASOL, KAMAN, or BIEDRINS appear more deserving. No thanks the NBA's China-favored voting policy. There is no NBA voting ballots in SPAIN itself.
I hope the HISPANICS (White, Black, and Brown alike) of L.A, California, and the whole U.S.A itself can give him some much needed voting boost.
The PF position is very tight with DUNCAN, BOOZER, NOWITZKI, and even STOUDAMIRE around. SF position is out of the question.
So what are the chances of Pau Gasol making the ALL-STAR Games to go along with his soon to be NBA Rings? VERY SMALL, unless the GREAT WALL breaks down again.
Regardless, congratulations PAU, you are about to win more NBA rings than any other EUROPEAN, let alone foreigner than ever before in the NBA.
In terms of Playing-style, Pau's game to me is a combination of VLADE (passing), and MCHALE (low post moves). Let's hope for the best PAU.
LATER.