Pau Gasol vs. Lamar Odom: A Shining Example of Class and Professionalism

The Los Angeles Lakers tried to trade both Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom for Chris Paul last week. Odom has since ended up in Dallas while Pau remains in LA.

How can two players dealt the same cards end with two completely different outcomes?

One word: class.

Pau Gasol has epitomized class during this entire trade ordeal, characterizing him better than anything we've already seen on the basketball court during his wildly successful NBA career.

On one hand you have Lamar Odom, an emotional and sensitive player who harbored bitterness at the Lakers organization for attempting to trade him last Thursday.

L.O. walked straight into Mitch Kupchak's office, demanded an immediate trade out of Los Angeles and was granted his wish Saturday night.

His bags were packed Sunday.

On the other hand you have Pau Gasol, equally emotional but overwhelmingly loyal.

Pau continues to show up to training camp with his teammates and is constantly working hard to learn Mike Brown's new system. He has stayed positive and expressed his unwavering support for the organization through a barrage of media interviews and twitter messages to his loving fan base.

Lamar was bound to be disruptive. Pau continues to be constructive.

Yes, these two mainstays were both disrespected by the organization in an attempt to make the franchise younger. But one joined a division rival in response, while the other continues to fight for the Purple and Gold.

They both understand that moves were made strictly on business terms. But it has been Gasol's grace and class in recognizing this as a business and not taking it personally that puts him in a class of his own.

Much of Laker Nation has acknowledged this dichotomy in professionalism between the two players. Kevin Ding of the Orange County Register penned a wonderful piece today on this very subject, bringing perspective outside of basketball and onto the man who has weathered this storm as a true professional.

Pau Gasol has brought two NBA championships to this Lakers organization, yet he continually strives to get better and make his team better. Trying to trade him out of town has not changed these principles or beliefs.

His professionalism and class speak for themselves. If he didn't gain your respect by bringing two rings to the City of Los Angeles, Pau deserves your utmost respect now more than ever.

He has risen to the top amidst this NBA fiasco in a way only Pau can—with humility, dignity and class.

You can replace age, yes, but you cannot replace character. Mitch would be wise to understand the difference.