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In the new issue of Los Angeles magazine, David Davis talks to and about Pau Gasol, the Lakers' resident Spaniard: "Goya would have painted him: Square jaw on a long neck, soulful eyes, the pilgrim's beard. Even for professional basketball, Laker center Pau Gasol i Sáez is a giant, yet all seven feet of Barcelona's pride and joy pirouettes with ease, and the arcing hooks and crafty jump shots come from left and right, confounding his defenders." Also in the May issue: fifty years of L.A. fashion trends, an interview with director Nicole Holofcener (upcoming film "Please Give"), Patric Kuh on the treacherous new location for Hatfield's in the old Citrus and Meson G space on Melrose, plus an Anne Taylor Fleming column on UCLA students paying higher fees, and a pets guide.
Lakers note: They continue the NBA playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder tonight at Staples Center, amid nationwide punditry that now casts the Lakers as not necessarily favorites to advance past this series.
Related note: Brian Kennedy closes out the hockey season in Los Angeles at Native Intelligence: "Before the whole thing is forgotten, those of you not interested in the game might give one moment's pause to consider the plight of the Angelino afflicted with the love of hockey."
Photo from Los Angeles magazine: Dustin Snipes