After being traded for each other in 2008, Pau and Marc Gasol can't think playing against each other is any big deal.
Pau said it does remain a "unique" opportunity that the brothers enjoy. They squared off again Sunday night in the Lakers' 90-82 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. Pau had 13 points, 15 rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. Marc had two points, 11 rebounds, seven assists, four steals and three blocks.
Marc Gasol had a rare struggle trying to score, missing all nine of his field-goal attempts. But there was no doubt about the skill level both players had.
Pau swished a fadeaway jumper 4:32 before halftime that included a free throw courtesy of Marc's foul. It gave the Lakers a 47-34 lead. But that wasn't even Pau's highlight for the game.
On the play right after Pau's behind-the-back fast-break pass for Andrew Bynum to score, Marc answered with a slick drop pass for teammate Marreese Speights to get a backdoor bucket at the other end.
Pau was asked later if Timberwolves rookie point guard Ricky Rubio, a teammate of the Gasols on the Spanish national team, taught him that pass. Gasol replied: "He got his one from me. Just kidding."
NOTES, QUOTES
--Lakers coach Mike Brown said his primary concerns at this point in the season are his team's penchant for turnovers on offense and delay in getting back in transition defense. The Lakers committed 27 turnovers Sunday night in beating Memphis, and those turned into 31 Grizzlies points. Despite all those easy buckets, Memphis still only shot 40.9 percent from the field.
--The Lakers don't play the Golden State Warriors again until late in the season: March 27, April 1 and April 18. That's too bad for Kobe Bryant, who had 39 points against the Warriors on Friday night -- marking the 14th time he has scored 35 or more points against Golden State.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "The guy wins." -- Kobe Bryant on Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow
ROSTER REPORT
PLAYER NOTES:
--G Andrew Goudelock got another opportunity to play Sunday night against Memphis, stepping into the rotation as Kobe Bryant's backup ahead of veteran Jason Kapono. Lakers coach Mike Brown said Kapono was not playing poorly, though.
--F Matt Barnes' 2010-11 season was derailed by an injury to his right knee. He slimmed down to lighten his load and said he is at 213-215 pounds now. Barnes also said his right knee is "100 percent."
--G Steve Blake flashed the 3-point stroke that the Lakers were investing in the summer of 2010 by hitting 3 of 6 long-range attempts Sunday night vs. Memphis. Blake continues to split time at point guard with starter Derek Fisher, but each committed five turnovers Sunday night.
MEDICAL WATCH:
--G Kobe Bryant (torn right wrist ligament) hurt himself on a fall in the exhibition opener after having a shot blocked by the Clippers' DeAndre Jordan. He is playing through the injury.
--F Derrick Caracter (torn meniscus in left knee) had surgery and is probably out through January.
--F Pau Gasol (sprained right shoulder) is playing through the injury.
--F Josh McRoberts (sprained left toe) is day-to-day.
ROTATION:
Starters:
--Point guard Derek Fisher
--Shooting guard Kobe Bryant
--Small forward Matt Barnes
--Power forward Pau Gasol
--Center Andrew Bynum
Bench:
--Forward Josh McRoberts
--Guard Steve Blake
--Forward Metta World Peace
--Guard Jason Kapono
--Forward Troy Murphy
