Up close and personal with the Lakers' Pau Gasol
Lori Shepler / Los Angeles Times
Pau Gasol takes in the sun and cool ocean breeze during a visit to the Hermosa Beach Pier. Other favorite activities of the Lakers center include staying home, relaxing, watching basketball games and movies. "I’ve gone to a couple of concerts," he said.
L.A.'s newest impact player talks about living in Southern California, things he likes about being in the Southland, his life away from the court and much more.
May 4, 2008
Times staff photographer Lori Shepler spent a couple of days recently with Lakers star Pau Gasol at his home in Marina del Ray and at several spots he visits around town. Away from Staples Center and the intense atmosphere that goes hand-in-hand with Lakers games, Gasol talked with Shepler about a variety of topics.
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Question: Now that you are settling in L.A., what are your impressions?
Answer: The fans are definitely a plus because we have a sellout crowd every night. Staples is a very special building with a celebrity flavor to it, which is interesting. It was always interesting as a visitor, but now as a local it's fun and fun to see.
Traffic is obviously not a plus, distances are big, just a lot of cars. The first few days it got me a little frustrated, but looking at the big picture it is just something you have to deal with.
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Q: Are there any surprises since you have been here?
A: All positive. It has been great, my teammates, great atmosphere, lot of talent. This city is in to the Lakers a lot. The fans are really amazing, very loyal. Something I appreciate.
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Q: What do you do on your days off for fun?
A: (He laughs) Drive. . . . Stay home, relax, watch b-ball, watch movies. I've gone to a couple of concerts.
When I have the time and energy to do so. Our schedule doesn't allow us to do much. I like to eat dinner out and come back home and relax.
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Q: What are your favorite foods?
A: Japanese, Italian. There aren't many Spanish restaurants. It's not the same as home, so I'll stick to other cuisines.
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Q: What about in the off-season?
A: I go back to Spain. Keep myself busy a lot. I like to travel, go to the beach go to the islands, just relax and get away. Try to get away from all the craziness. Hang out with my friends and have a good time.
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Q: How was it getting to know your teammates?
A: It has been fun. The chemistry and guys have been really good, and we do go out every now and then. Sasha [Vujacic], I hang out with him a lot and we got pretty close. He's like my little brother. He's a good guy.
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Q: How do you get your news about the Lakers or other news?
A: Internet. I don't watch much TV news.
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Q: Do you watch a lot of basketball on TV?
A: Yes I do. Usually a little of analyzing and studying as a professional, and also I like to watch it as a fan. It's entertaining, it's fun, it's my passion, so I don't get bored watching b-ball for a few hours.
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Q: What drives you to succeed in basketball and did your parents play a big role in your success. Do they give you tips?
Lori Shepler / Los Angeles Times
Pau Gasol takes in the sun and cool ocean breeze during a visit to the Hermosa Beach Pier. Other favorite activities of the Lakers center include staying home, relaxing, watching basketball games and movies. "I’ve gone to a couple of concerts," he said.
L.A.'s newest impact player talks about living in Southern California, things he likes about being in the Southland, his life away from the court and much more.
May 4, 2008
Times staff photographer Lori Shepler spent a couple of days recently with Lakers star Pau Gasol at his home in Marina del Ray and at several spots he visits around town. Away from Staples Center and the intense atmosphere that goes hand-in-hand with Lakers games, Gasol talked with Shepler about a variety of topics.
------
Question: Now that you are settling in L.A., what are your impressions?
Answer: The fans are definitely a plus because we have a sellout crowd every night. Staples is a very special building with a celebrity flavor to it, which is interesting. It was always interesting as a visitor, but now as a local it's fun and fun to see.
Traffic is obviously not a plus, distances are big, just a lot of cars. The first few days it got me a little frustrated, but looking at the big picture it is just something you have to deal with.
------
Q: Are there any surprises since you have been here?
A: All positive. It has been great, my teammates, great atmosphere, lot of talent. This city is in to the Lakers a lot. The fans are really amazing, very loyal. Something I appreciate.
------
Q: What do you do on your days off for fun?
A: (He laughs) Drive. . . . Stay home, relax, watch b-ball, watch movies. I've gone to a couple of concerts.
When I have the time and energy to do so. Our schedule doesn't allow us to do much. I like to eat dinner out and come back home and relax.
------
Q: What are your favorite foods?
A: Japanese, Italian. There aren't many Spanish restaurants. It's not the same as home, so I'll stick to other cuisines.
------
Q: What about in the off-season?
A: I go back to Spain. Keep myself busy a lot. I like to travel, go to the beach go to the islands, just relax and get away. Try to get away from all the craziness. Hang out with my friends and have a good time.
------
Q: How was it getting to know your teammates?
A: It has been fun. The chemistry and guys have been really good, and we do go out every now and then. Sasha [Vujacic], I hang out with him a lot and we got pretty close. He's like my little brother. He's a good guy.
------
Q: How do you get your news about the Lakers or other news?
A: Internet. I don't watch much TV news.
------
Q: Do you watch a lot of basketball on TV?
A: Yes I do. Usually a little of analyzing and studying as a professional, and also I like to watch it as a fan. It's entertaining, it's fun, it's my passion, so I don't get bored watching b-ball for a few hours.
------
Q: What drives you to succeed in basketball and did your parents play a big role in your success. Do they give you tips?
