Hal Eisner's Blog

I'm not a real tall guy ... almost 5'10" but next to the Lakers new guy I'm a shrimp! Pau Gasol is 7 feet tall. Now, think about that -- I know -- I know -- basketball players are tall, but until you've stood next to someone 7 feet tall the enormity of it doesn't quite sink in.   

The first time I had this feeling was about 26 years ago. I had just come here from Texas as a correspondent for CNN. My first L.A. interview? Not a movie star ... no, not the mayor .. but, a basketball player -- Bob McAdoo! I had to stretch my arm all the way into the air in order to get my microphone up to McAdoo's mouth. 

I really look UP at these guys. Literally! They're amazing athletes! The height may be a big assist for the Lakers not to mention his skill on the court. But, besides being struck by Pau Gasol's height, I was struck by something else -- the respect he's already engendered. 

Norm Nixon told me he likes this guy. Fans couldn't stop talking about him. I was also struck by his friendliness, willingness to chat with a reporter he hadn't met yet and his smile. I caught up with him in a Staple's Center hallway. He wasn't expecting me.  First, he saw a photographer he knew -- he smiled. I told him there were kids outside who were excited about him coming to L.A. He smiled again.  It'll be fun watching him as the Lakers go for the gold! The purple and GOLD!