Kaman and Gasol the pivotal men

Two versatile big men are expected to stand tall for the Los Angeles Lakers this coming NBA season.

When Chris Kaman stepped onto the court for his first preseason game with the Lakers about two weeks ago, he saw a reflection of himself in Pau Gasol.

"I think after playing with him over the past couple of weeks that my game is probably more similar to his than anybody else in the league," the German-American player told China Daily during the Lakers' preseason trip to Shanghai on Thursday.

Standing at the same height (2.13 meters), Kaman and Gasol have emerged as twin towers in the Lakers' post area, covering for each other at both ends of the court with their all-round skills.

Their mobility and versatility have helped build chemistry between them while also forging a flexible combination which can switch positions to disturb opposition defenses.

"We are both forwards and fives (centers). He makes plays for others and we can both post up. He's inside, I am outside, or vice versa, it could be a pretty good combination," Kaman said.

Their combined contribution of 25.8 points, 14 rebounds and six assists in limited minutes during the Lakers' first four preseason games has provided some early evidence of that.

Thanks to Kaman's wide range on offense, Gasol could appear more in the paint than last year, when he forced out of the area as Dwight Howard filled the role.

"I indeed feel comfortable playing more near the basket. That's where my game should be," said Gasol.

Still, Kaman knows exactly where his limits are when compared with Howard, who averaged 17.1 points and 12.4 rebounds for the Lakers while intimidating opponents with his bulk and athleticism last season.

"Obviously, I am not him. I can't do the thing he does. I am a different style of player all round. I am probably a better passer and shooter. He's a great rebounder and shot blocker. He's such a presence with his size, but our offensive style is not really set up for a guy like that," said the 31-year-old, who was selected sixth overall by the LA Clippers in the 2003 NBA Draft.

"It's about defense ultimately, whether we can stop people, me and Pau. That's a big key for us."

Gelling so smoothly with his teammates so soon, Kaman's presence has made the Lakers forget about Howard, who signed with the Houston Rockets on a four-year $88 million contract after becoming a free agent in July.

After praising Kaman's performance of a double-double (14 points and 10 rebounds) in the first China game against the Golden State Warriors in Beijing, LA's head coach Mike D'Antoni responded "Who?" to a question asking how would the team handle the loss of Howard.

Steve Blake, the Lakers' backup point guard, echoed D'Antoni's sentiment.

"That (Howard's leave) seems like a long time ago now. He's not part of the organization any more so we just work hard on what we have."

sunxiaochen@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 10/19/2013 page16)