Fast Break Thoughts: All-Star Game

More news and notes from STAPLES Center as we look ahead to tonight’s big game…

• Other than a potential meet-up in the Finals, the All-Star Game is the only time all season other than two regular season games when the Lakers and Celtics will share the same floor. Just because the game is an exhibition, though, doesn’t mean the rivalry takes a night off, too—at least not for Lakers fans, who vociferously booed Paul Pierce every time he touched the ball during last night’s three point shootout. Fellow shootout competitor and new all-time three-point record-holder Ray Allen got off a little easier, but there was still no mistaking the disdain in the building for the enemies in green. “I think that’s normal,” said Gasol after yesterday’s All-Star practice. “I think that’s the passion of the fans. We all know how they feel about the Celtics.”

• With All-Star regulars like Dirk, Yao, Pau, Manu, etc., the league’s showcase weekend also doubles as a testament to the NBA’s rapid international expansion. “It means a lot,” explained Gasol. “It means that international basketball has grown so much and it’s produced incredible players. To a certain point, the Dream Team of ’92 had a big effect on a lot of players from my generation who started to play there and are now playing in the NBA.”

• We all know Kobe has a flair for the dramatic and has historically performed well in previous All-Star games. Does that automatically make him the go-to option down the stretch of a close game on such a star-studded roster? Gasol chimed in with his two cents: “I’m sure if the game comes to the point where the West needs to hit a game-winner, I’m sure he’ll step up and take it for sure and he’ll be thrilled to do so. I mean, what better scenario than at STAPLES Center.” If his play on Team USA is any indicator, his teammates should and will look to Bryant in the clutch.

• Of the many ails that plagued the Lakers leading up to the All-Star break, Pau believes that a renewed sense of energy is all his team needs to get back on track in the second half of the season—and the (underrated) return of Matt Barnes. “I can’t wait to get back together with the team Monday and work on whatever things the coaching staff wants us to work on and get it going,” said Gasol. “We have a tough back-to-back starting right after the break, so I look forward to that to.” On the impact of Barnes re-joining the team: “We’ve just got to get Matt healthy so he can help us in the small forward position. We have pretty much the same championship team we had last year, so that should be plenty to go for another one.”