Fansided

NBA Rumors: Kupchak calls Gasol the top free agent

By Andrew Melnick

March 19, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Pau Gasol (16) moves to the basket against the San Antonio Spurs during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
March 19, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Pau Gasol (16) moves to the basket against the San Antonio Spurs during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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March 19, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Pau Gasol (16) moves to the basket against the San Antonio Spurs during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
March 19, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Pau Gasol (16) moves to the basket against the San Antonio Spurs during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

The drama surrounding Los Angeles Lakers and power forward Pau Gasol has been well-documented.

Sometimes it looks like the Lakers could make Gasol a very formidable offer while other times it appears as though their split this offseason is inevitable.

No matter what the Lakers decide to do, it is clear it won’t stop general manager Mitch Kupchak from heaping praise on Gasol.

Kupchak does know that LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat and Carmelo Anthony can become free agents, right? Or that Dirk Nowitzki of the Dallas Mavericks can too? Plus, there are the restricted free agents like Phoenix Suns’ guard Eric Bledsoe and Detroit Pistons’ power forward Greg Monroe.

In reality, it’s just Kupchak sticking by his guy because the Lakers could still opt to keep Gasol.

This season, Gasol averaged 17.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.5 blocks per game.

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