NBA Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers’ Pau Gasol wants to play for a title contender
Los Angeles Lakers’ big man Pau Gasol is set to become a free agent this summer.
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Gasol has never really tested in the market, initially re-signing with the Memphis Grizzlies before he was traded to the Lakers and then re-signing with the Lakers.
Now Gasol will get that chance.
Gasol was supposed to be a hot commodity just before the trade deadline and although many teams showed interested, including the Charlotte Bobcats (Hornets) and Phoenix Suns, teams were very hesitant to pull off a deal for Gasol. Plus, the Lakers, likely believing they can re-sign him in the offseason, didn’t seem all that excited about trading him.
After suffering through a poor season, Gasol is going to be thinking about signing with a winner rather than about getting top dollar.
“I want to be in a team that is going to be built to win a championship,” Gasol said via Chris Mannix of our partner, Sports Illustrated. “That’s my top priority. Money won’t be the main priority. Length and money are factors, but we’ll see. Until I know all the options, I won’t be able to measure them. But we’re getting close to the end of my career. I want to be in a good situation. It’s an important decision to make.”
Many around the league expect Gasol to either return to the Lakers or choose between the Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers and possibly the Memphis Grizzlies.
Gasol averaged 17.4 points, 9.7 rebounds 3.4 assists and 1.5 blocks per game last season. He shot 48.0% from the field, 28.6% from beyond the arc and 73.6% from the free throw line.