Laker Pau Gasol will receive the 2009 sportsman of the year award at the L.A. Sports Awards on Feb. 19 at L.A. Live.
The award, given by the Los Angeles Sports Council, honors "the local male athlete whose
performance and character best exemplified the ideals of sportsmanship during the calendar year." The council will also name a sportswoman, coach, and sports executive of the year.
Previous L.A. sportsmen of the year are: USC's Matt Leinart (200); Clipper Elton Brand (2006); the Galaxy's David Beckham (2007); and Laker Kobe Bryant (2008).