Who’s the Best Power Forward in Los Angeles: Blake Griffin or Pau Gasol?

As the Lakers and Clippers met again January 25th, the Lakers evened the score and won 96-91, behind Pau Gasol’s 23 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 block, and 1 steal. Leading the Lakers in scoring, as usual, with 24 points was #24 Kobe Bryant. Griffin led the Clippers with 26 points and 9 rebounds, but he did not have one steal, block, or assist. In his return, Chris Paul dished out 12 dimes and scored 4 points.

As Gasol barely won the battle of the big men in this game, it got me wondering who is the best power forward in Los Angeles today? Does he play for the LA Lakers or the LA Clippers? Is it polished veteran Pau Gasol or budding superstar Blake Griffin?

So far this season, the Lakers, 11-8, started off strong, but cooled, while the Clippers, 9-6, started cool, and have heated up.

Although Gasol has the height advantage at 7-0’, his 227 lbs. and leaner frame, do give Griffin, 6-10’ and 251 lbs., and who is built like a steel fortress, an advantage to bully Gasol, and most other power forwards, on the block.

Individually, Griffin is having another fantastic season, while Gasol is not producing at his usual level. Since last season’s playoffs, Gasol has struggled. This season, he says he’s struggled to fit into Coach Mike Brown’s offense. Griffin, on the other hand, is following up his Rookie of the Year campaign with a similar stat-line in his second season. He’s starting to add a reliable 10-15 foot jump shot to his offensive attack.

Gasol’s Stats

Griffin’s Stats

While one season does not make a career, it does seem like the tides have shifted in Los Angeles, especially at the power forward position.

In terms of careers, Griffin’s has just begun and Gasol’s is coming close to the end. That being said, Gasol has had a Hall of Fame career, and Griffin’s career is only just beginning.

Gasol’s Accolades

2x top ten in Player Efficiency Rating
3x top ten in Blocks per Game
7x playoffs
4x All-star
2001-2002 ROY
FIBA World Championship MVP (2006)
EuroBasket MVP (2009)
Spanish King’s Cup MVP (2001)
Spanish League Finals MVP (2001)
7x European Player of the Year
2 NBA Championships

Griffin’s Accolades

1x All-Star
2011 ROY
1x Slam Dunk Champion

Clearly, Griffin has a long way to go to match Gasol’s career accomplishments.

But, even after just over a season, Griffin’s highlight reel is more eye-popping, even though Gasol demonstrates a better, more polished all-around-game than Griffin possesses at this point in his young career.

Gasol

Griffin

And certainly, in terms of potential, that all lies with Blake Griffin. At 31, going on 32, Gasol is nearing the end of his peak years of production. Then, there is Griffin, who is only 22 years old. So, if you’re a General Manager picking a player to build around, there is no doubt, you go with Griffin. He’s young, talented, and has star player written all over him.

So, overall, how do Griffin and Gasol matchup?

Griffin is a superior physical specimen and an amazing, highlight-reel dunker. Gasol is in good shape, not overly muscular, but fit. While Gasol can dunk easily, his offensive style is more graceful and less aggressive than Griffin’s.

Gasol’s game is more polished, and he’s a better overall player.

Gasol is a superior defensive player, and a more skilled offensive player. On the other hand, Griffin is a better scorer, a more aggressive scorer, capable of overwhelming defenses physically.

Griffin needs to continue to develop consistency in his outside shooting, become a better passer, and defender, in order to master his overall game. But, if Gasol continues to regress and Griffin continues to grow, there is no doubt Griffin may eventually surpass Gasol in many aspects of the game.

And right now, despite Gasol’s two championships fresh in the minds of L.A. fans, Griffin is the show people will pay to see. Griffin and the Clippers are a hotter ticket. Griffin is having a better season, in many aspects, so I think you have to go with Griffin as the best power forward in Los Angeles. No offense intended towards Gasol, who is a fantastic player in his own right and a quality human being, but in terms of this season and this moment in time, Griffin rules L.A.