Pau Gasol sat down with Scott Howard-Cooper of NBA.com and discussed his future with the Lakers. Although he made it clear he was interested in staying in Los Angeles, Gasol wouldn’t rule out the possibility of moving on to another club when he hits free agency this offseason:
“There’s different factors you have to take into account. The financial factor. That I’ve been with this franchise, for what I’ve been through, the loyalty I have to them. And also the chances of winning a championship. Those three are the most. What percentage I will give or prioritize, we’ll see when the opportunities come along. But I would like to first be in a position to win a championship again and enjoy the last few years of my career and be in a good position to do so.”
We’ve heard before that Gasol isn’t totally committed to staying in purple and gold so this statement don’t come as a huge surprise. What’s more intriguing is Gasol’s thoughts on the potential for a reunion with the Grizzlies:
“It’s appealing. One of the best centers in the NBA, one of the best interior players, is my brother [Marc Gasol]. There’s a lot of attractive factors there. But who knows if that’s even a possibility or if that will ever happen. Right now, I’m just trying to focus on (the Lakers’ opponents) and staying healthy and playing a very successful year so this team and others will have the certainty and the confidence that I am a difference maker, that I am an elite player and I have a lot of years in me.”
In a poll last week, most Hoops Rumors readers voted that they believed this would be Gasol’s final season in LA. The 33-year-old is playing below his career averages in most statistical areas and probably has his best playing days behind him. Still, Howard-Cooper is quick to point out that much of his appeal comes from intangible factors such as his vast playoff experience, and many teams will surely be interested in signing the 13-year veteran come next summer.