Lakers’ Pau Gasol gets warm greeting

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MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Much of the pre-game chatter on Monday night centered on Pau Gasol playing his first game here since the Lakers acquired him last February from the Grizzlies, and how fans would greet him.

Gasol spent six-plus years in Memphis, but he was treated poorly his last season here.

When he was the last Laker introduced in the starting lineup, a smattering of boos was eclipsed by cheers.

During a timeout with 4:55 left in the first quarter, the Grizzlies showed on the scoreboard several highlights of Gasol when he played for Memphis, ending with ``Thank you, Pau.’’

Gasol then was given a standing ovation.

Gasol looked up, smiled and acknowleged the crowd.

But not every fan was happy.

‘Take him Darko (Milicic). Everybody else does,’’ one fan yelled.

‘He’s soft, Darko. You can take him,’’ the same fan yelled.

But for the most part, it was a nice greeting for Gasol.

-- Broderick Turner