Pau Gasol needs to step it up this season for the Los Angeles Lakers

April 26, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers power forward Pau Gasol (16) reacts during the first half in game three of the first round of the 2013 NBA playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

The Los Angeles Lakers are a team that needs to prove that last season was just a test run that didn’t go according to plan.

The Lake Show are going to pretty much evaluate the veteran talent they have this season. to see who is going to be able to help them hang their next championship banner. Now I know they want this season to be that year, but right now the Eastern conference is too stacked for that to happen.

If the Lakers couldn’t win it with Dwight Howard, I’m not sure if they can just come out of this gate this year and win it all. Don’t get me wrong, I am a loyal and die hard Lakers fan but I’m also a realist.

You take a look at the Miami Heat who have a team that looks like it was put together by a 12 year old fan who started his very own Association on 2K and turned the salary cap off. You have the Chicago Bulls who have a determined D-Rose coming back after missing an entire season and then the Indiana Pacers who in my opinion are the favorites to win the Eastern conference.

Anyways, a man who should have a lot of weight on his shoulders besides Kobe is big man Pau Gasol. Gasol to me looks like he lost some fight after winning those back to back championships not too long ago.

Last season his points per game dropped from 17.4 to 13.7 and his field goal percentage dropped from .529 (2010), .501 (2011), .466 (2012) also seeing a decline in minutes.

Gasol says his knees are a lot better, which is good, but if Kobe isn’t able to go right away he’s going to have to be the one to step it up and put up big numbers.

The man needs to step it up big time, fight for every board, get an open shot and make sure you drain it and try not to make clumsy mistakes. I think if Gasol isn’t able to do these things this season, he may be traded before the deadline or gone after the season is over.

We all know he wants to stay with the Lakers but right now he’s going to have to show the front office how bad he wants to be there.

What do you think Laker fans? Does Pau Gasol step it up this season after Dwight Howard’s departure, or does he fall flat on his face and end up somewhere else?

Leave your thoughts and opinions in the comment section below.

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