Feb. 1, 2008 - The Los Angeles Lakers acquired power forward Pau Gasol from the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday afternoon in exchange for center Kwame Brown, rookie point guard Javaris Crittenton, first-round picks in 2008 and 2010, and Gasol's brother, Marc, according to Associated Press reports.

The Lakers, who have lost center Andrew Bynum and forward Trevor Ariza to leg injuries in the past three weeks, get a big boost to their depleted front line. Gasol brings an inside scoring presence and career averages of 18.8 points and 8.6 rebounds over 6-plus NBA seasons.

Until Bynum returns from a knee injury, which is expected in early March, Gasol will likely line up at center alongside Luke Walton and Lamar Odom.

By default, Brown and Crittenton figure to play similar roles in Memphis as they did in L.A. Brown will split time with Darko Milicic and should move into Gasol's vacated starting position, and Crittenton will be afforded proper development time by falling in behind talented youngsters Mike Conley, Juan Carlos Navarro and Kyle Lowry.

Los Angeles had gone 4-5 in nine games without Bynum in the lineup and 25-11 in 36 games with him. They entered Friday three and a half games behind Western Conference-leading Phoenix with a 28-16 overall record. At 13-33, the Grizzlies have the league's fourth-worst record, behind only Miami (9-36), Minnesota (10-36) and Seattle (11-35).

Dustin Hockensmith's Take
Brilliant move for the Lakers. Obtaining an All-Star power forward and retaining its most tradeable commodities, Odom and Bynum, in the process. They turn from a team just looking to keep its head above water into one that could contend for an NBA title, with or without Bynum in the lineup. When Bynum does return, the Lakers will be a viable contender come playoff time.

Fantasy
There really doesn't stand to be much change for any of the players involved. As the Lakers' only true inside presence, Gasol's production shouldn't suffer, despite the improved supporting cast. The trade does clear the way for either Brown or Milicic to earn more regular playing time. Milicic has more upside in the fantasy realm, but you shouldn't rely on his up production until you see it on a more consistent basis.