Posts Tagged ‘y basketball’
It seems that the great hubris that Spaniards feel is just everywhere now a days. From across the Atlantic, fierce sports fans cheer as their 7 foot brother, Paul Gasol, dominates in the basketball world. As center for the Los Angeles Lakers, Gasol was a huge contributing factor to their recent status as world champions.
It is with no surprise that the Lakers did take it all this year, after having begun their season with a 16-0 run. It appears that this championship really meant a lot to the players, as being world champions probably, always does. But most certainly for some players more than others. For instance, Kobe Bryant has been said to be inadequate to win a NBA championship without his former teammate Shaquille O’neal. Yet, with this win, Bryant proves that he is one of the best players on the planet, if not the best. In my opinion, I wish that the two would have never parted ways, because together they were really unstoppable. And if we think about it, they have both only won, one championship each since then. But things move on, as Kobe demonstrates he could not only play exceptionally under Shaq’s shadow. This makes it Kobe’s 4th after having 3 titles for 7 years.
Well, it is hard to talk about the Lakers and their win without veering off into Kobe Bryant, yet we cannot ignore the biggest presence on the court from the Laker’s behalf. Paul Gasol has proved with his excellent performance, that Spain has a lot to offer in the basketball world. It is the first time that a Spaniard is a NBA Champion. This is probably a great honor for him, but it is definitely an honor for all the Spanish citizens who support him overseas. He finished the regular 2009 season with 18.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1 block per game. As for the final match, he was the most important rebounding presence in the game with 15 rebounds. 11 were defensive, and 4 were offensive. I mean this guy even has the stats: 2 time All-Star, Euroscar player of the year, FIBA Europe player of the year, All-NBA third team, and much more. It is no wonder the 28 year-old is making about $15 million a year. As a star the continents of Europe and America as well, he can definitely wear his new ring with great pride.
