The Lakers were swept out of the 2011 NBA Playoffs by the Dallas Mavericks in the West Semifinals, but that doesn't change the fact that Los Angeles will enter the 2011-12 season with what is arguably the NBA's top post-perimeter tandem.
I say arguably because the only other real contender to that title is probably the combination of LeBron James and Chris Bosh in Miami.
James and Bosh averaged a combined 45.4 points per game to go along with 15.8 rebounds and 8.9 assists, while shooting 50 percent from the field.
James and Bosh's numbers are slightly higher than Bryant and Gasol's averages of 43 points per game, 15.3 rebounds, 8.0 assists and 49 percent shooting from the field, but the Lakers duo may win the debate due to experience, accomplishments and the fact that Miami has another superstar talent in the backcourt.
Technically, James should not even qualify since he is not a shooting guard or a point guard, but he spends so much time as the Heat's primary ballhandler that he defies the labels of a position.
In terms of achievements, Bryant and Gasol have led the Lakers to three NBA Finals appearances and two championships, while James and Bosh did reach the Finals in their season together with the Heat.
That could bode well for Miami's future since Bryant and Gasol also accomplished the same feat in their first season together, although they did not have a whole offseason to establish chemistry.
And chemistry may be the one intangible that keeps Bryant and Gasol firmly rooted as the NBA's best post-perimeter combo, because one would be hard pressed to find another duo that has the same type of on-court rapport.
Gasol was the perfect type...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
