The Los Angeles Lakers were struggling in the 2007-08 season. They had missed the playoffs the previous year, and they were on their way to another early exit.
Kobe Bryant was frustrated. He had been carrying the team for years, and he was tired of losing. He even demanded a trade at one point.
The Lakers front office knew that they needed to make a move. They needed to add another star player to help Bryant.
They turned their attention to Pau Gasol. Gasol was a talented big man who was playing for the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Lakers offered the Grizzlies a trade package that included Kwame Brown, Javaris Crittenton, Marc Gasol, Aaron McKie, and two first-round picks.
The Grizzlies were hesitant at first, but they eventually agreed to the trade.
Gasol joined the Lakers in February 2008. He immediately made an impact, helping the team win 17 of their last 22 games.
The Lakers made the playoffs as the seventh seed, and they went on to win the championship.
Gasol was named the Finals MVP. He averaged 18.9 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in the series.
The Gasol trade was a turning point for the Lakers. It helped them win two more championships in 2009 and 2010. It also helped Bryant cement his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time.