TORONTO -- In a bold, swift move, the Lakers improved their franchise and impressed their franchise player, a two-step process that pushed them closer toward the front of the Western Conference line on a pivotal, perhaps memorable, Friday.

Seven-foot forward-center Pau Gasol was acquired from the Memphis Grizzlies for Kwame Brown, Javaris Crittenton, first-round draft picks in 2008 and 2010 and other considerations, a move that gave the Lakers a post presence with All-Star credentials in his recent past.



It also gave their current All-Star increased peace of mind, allowing the tumult of last summer to drift a bit more into the past, perhaps coming to rest in a place not to be disturbed again.