Pau Gasol A Difference Maker For Lakers, Bulls Says Phil Jackson

Oct 19, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Pau Gasol (16) reacts after making a three-point basket against the Charlotte Hornets during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Pau Gasol (16) reacts after making a three-point basket against the Charlotte Hornets during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Phil Jackson says Pau Gasol was a difference maker for the Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls fans will love him.

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Although Pau Gasol decided to sign with the Chicago Bulls during the offseason, that wasn’t because the Los Angeles Lakers didn’t give effort to re-sign their big man.

Sensing the Lakers were likely to struggle during the upcoming season, Gasol decided to test the market and seemingly found a perfect home in the Windy City. They of course weren’t the only team to try and sign the veteran as the New York Knicks were also interested in bringing Pau Gasol aboard.

It’s a reunion that wasn’t for Knicks president Phil Jackson who believes Pau Gasol was a difference maker for the Los Angeles Lakers, a suggestion that the team will miss the Spaniard heavily moving forward.

“He’s the guy who made all the difference in the world for the team in Los Angeles,” said Jackson. “We were able to acquire him. We gave up a terrific player in his brother, who is now one of the top centers in this game. But we knew Pau could make a big difference for us and we just took off as a basketball team from that point.”

Jackson went on to state that Pau Gasol is a wonderful locker room presence and does so many little things you hope to get out of your star talent.

Of course Phil Jackson might be a little biased in regards to his love for Pau Gasol as he had no problem calling out his defensive issues before, though it’s clear his addition will be a major benefit for the Chicago Bulls.

As for the Los Angeles Lakers, they decided they were best served by chasing a star talent in free agency while getting younger. So far that hasn’t worked out though it’s hard to begrudge such a view despite how talented Pau Gasol is.

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