No doubt the Los Angeles Lakers are a better team with Pau Gasol in the lineup, but just how good?  The Lakers went a respectable 8-3 in their first eleven games without Gasol in their lineup, and have only lost one of fifteen since his return.

The other big stat is the Lakers’ opponents FG%. With Gasol helping to anchor the Laker’s defense, the differential has been significant. Opponents are averaging just 91.7 points since Pau returned, almost a 7 point difference.  (Courtesy of NBATV)