From Pau Gasol to Joe Smith: Assigning Each Laker A Nickname

Pau Gasol- The Savior

Pau Gasol changed the direction of the Lakers the minute he joined the team, transforming them from a playoff team into a championship contender almost overnight.

Gasol can dominant the paint and he has the ability to take over the scoring load if needed. Since acquiring the Spaniard, the Lakers have won three consecutive Western Conference champions and two consecutive NBA titles.

Perhaps the worst era in Lakers history occurred during the middle years of the 2000s.  The Lake Show was a mediocre team, and a bid to the playoffs was considered  a successful season. Luckily, Gasol saved the Lakers from humility and helped bring them to the top of the league.

Next: Lamar Odom