NBA Rumors: Lakers’ Pau Gasol says loyalty will take back seat in free agency
By Bryan Rose
The Los Angeles Lakers tried to trade Pau Gasol during the recent NBA trade deadline, but simply couldn’t find the perfect deal which would have netted them youth/draft picks and no additional money moving forward.
Not exactly an easy task when you’re attempting to trade away an aging veteran with a $19 million dollar contract who is set to become a free agent at season end.
Speaking of Gasol’s impending free agency, while he does suggest that he’s open to re-signing with the Lakers, he does hint that loyalty and cash flow will take a back seat in his decision making.
"“My franchise has the chance of offering me more money and a longer contract, but that’s not all that’s going to matter as far as my decision,” writes Gasol. “Honestly I’m not ruling out renewing my contract, I’m just open to every option… I want to be in a team with a real chance of winning a ring and where I can help to compete for it. I would like to win another championship. The financial side comes second at this stage of my career.”"
Rumors have hinted that Gasol wouldn’t mind playing with his brother Marc in Memphis, though they currently don’t appear to be much of a title contender – something Gasol is understandably looking for.