By Eduardo Maisonet, III / @edthesportsfan

For FOX Deportes

The Lakers have had quite the off-season. Traded for and signed point god Steve Nash from the Phoenix Suns, signed Antawn Jamison as a free agent (quietly was one of the best signings in the league) and are seemingly ever closer to acquiring Dwight Howard from the Orlando Magic. Even when they’re losing, somehow the Lakers are always winning.

Of course, then there’s Kobe Bryant. The man who is out gallivanting with the rest of his Team USA Basketball teammates in Europe, has witnessed much of this from afar and has been a willing sound bite on a variety of topics. From accepting Kyrie Irving’s 1-on-1 challenge to calling David Stern’s age limit consideration for future NBA olympians “stupid,” Bryant’s opinion has been well known to the masses.

One thing that Kobe seems crystal clear on is his relationship with the mercurial Pau Gasol. Seems like Kobe’s intent in playing with the Big Spaniard until he’s done playing basketball in Los Angeles.

Kobe, answering a question from a Spanish reporter about Pau’s status with the Lakers: “As long as I’m there, he’s going to be there.”

— Brian Mahoney (@briancmahoney) July 21, 2012

Pau Gasol is pleased.

Gracias Kobe!! Un placer estar a tu lado partido a partido. Go Lakers!! #Equipo bit.ly/ON9zwt

— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) July 21, 2012

(Translated: “Thanks Kobe! It’s a pleasure to play with you game after game.”) To be clear about something, the Lakers didn’t officially get over the hump until Pau Gasol got there. Andrew Bynum wasn’t ready yet, and Gasol’s ability to score, defend and rebound was crucial in getting the Lakers two more championship banners to add to the rafters. Playing alongside Steve Nash could do wonders for Spain’s greatest hooper, and if Dwight Howard actually ends up putting on the forum blue and gold, Gasol’s career could be extended by at least a few more years. Yes NBA fans, be afraid of what the Lakers are doing. They’re not fair.