NBA - Gasol impresses on debut with Lakers (+ Videos)

NEW YORK (NBA) - Pau Gasol wasted no time in making an impact with Los Angeles on his Lakers debut Wednesday, pouring in 24 points in the team's 105-90 win at New Jersey.

The Spain international, the MVP of the 2006 FIBA World Championship, joined the Lakers last weekend in a deal which sent the draft rights to his brother Marc Gasol to Memphis.

Gasol also had 12 rebounds for LA, who improved to 31-16 on the campaign while the Nets fell to 20-28.

"I'm not surprised Pau was effective in the game," said Lakers coach Phil Jackson.

"He is a skilled ball player. We looked at him as a target so we got him some easy baskets. New Jersey fronted our post. He is an awfully long guy to front.

"We made some adjustments which made him a big target for our team."

Jackson played Gasol more than 35 minutes in his first game, which he did not expect.

"I was a little surprised that I played so much in my first game after only one practice," Gasol said.

"I was happy to be out there and contribute with my teammates. I feel pretty comfortable (running the triangle offense), I still do not know a lot of wrinkles and details. My teammates helped me out a lot through the whole game."

And the big man was very impressed with his fellow Lakers.

"I was happy to play pretty well and be comfortable out there and hopefully it will stay that way," he said. "It always makes the game much easier when all five guys on the court know what they are doing."

Nets coach almost spoke with a sense of envy after the contest when asked about Gasol.

"Pau is a proven player," he said. "He is an all-star caliber player. The more comfortable he gets, the better. We talked before the game about when you have shooting on the floor like they do; it puts a lot of pressure on your defense. He's a huge addition."

In other games, the Philadelphia 76ers won 101-96 over the Washington Wizards, Cleveland edged Boston 114-113 and San Antonio thrashed Indiana 116-89.

Gasol's former team, Memphis, lost 102-97 at home to Milwaukee.

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