Pau Gasol is a tremendous player, but I think he’s a tad bit overrated by most analysts. He’s a perfect fit for the triangle offense (I’d like to see what a guy like Chris Bosh or Dirk Nowitzki could do in the triangle), and he benefits from the defensive attention payed to Kobe Bryant.

The Lakers went 8-3 without Gasol, with Bryant eclipsing the 40-point plateau in three of those contests. I don’t think Gasol is capable of putting a team on his back like that.

This is really great coaching. Not only is it a perfect offensive goal, but obviously the players are very clear about it, share the vision and know there is accountability for it.

What a FANTASTIC discovery.

Last year I was writing that Kobe didn’t deserve MVP consideration only because it wasn’t entirely clear if he was the MVP of his own team, much less the league.

And this year I’ve been writing that Gasol is the best power forward in basketball right now.

And is is the perfect NBA spokesperson and role model, if their marketing guys will wake up to that. He is in a huge market, has acting aspirations, is intelligent and articulate, isn’t bathed in tattoo ink, has huge international appeal, and is a SOLID player who plays BOTH ends of the floor.

His is the only Lakers jersey I’d be tempted to buy!

“It took more than 2 million votes apiece for Kobe Bryant and Chris Paul to be selected as the Western Conference’s starting guards for the 2009 All-Star Game, but Deron Williams ‘ representatives have a plan to reach that number.”

Williams has definitely been playing for himself this year and not for the Jazz, but he was outed when he missed two games and a rookie stepped up to show the Jazz what they’ve been missing with Williams at the helm.

A lot of all stars are from small markets. If the Jazz win and Williams plays well, he’ll get there if he deserves it on the coaches’ vote.