Gasol Awarded in Los Angeles

Pau Gasol

NBA Spanish player Pau Gasol of the NBA on Saturday received the award for best male athlete of the year in Los Angeles in the fifth edition of the LA Sports Awards, which recognize athletes who best exemplify the ideals of sportsmanship.

The power forward from Los Angeles Lakers was grateful for the award, which symbolizes the good feeling he has with his host city.

The Los Angeles Sports Council, a private non-profit organization committed to promoting sport in the counties of Los Angeles and Orange, said the mood of Gasol on and off the court and the Spanish attributed the change suffered by the Lakers since joined the team two years ago.

The set Angeleno ring won the NBA championship in 2009 and was indemnified for his final defeat in 2008.

The title Gasol became the first Spanish to get that trophy.

"I feel the people I have great affection. I'm fortunate position where I am. I know that people appreciate me and value me, and that's all I can ask," Gasol said.