The NBA is looking to expand globally to continue growing the game, and it appears the Los Angeles Lakers will play a role in that.
The Lakers are one of the biggest global brands in all of sports, with some of the most prominent American and international athletes wearing the purple and gold over the years.
Their current star, Luka Doncic, comes from Slovenia, and Pau Gasol notably came over from Spain before winning two championships with the Lakers. Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Shaquille O’Neal and Magic Johnson, among others, are also very popular across the world.
Gasol, in particular, is getting involved in the NBA’s expansion as an ambassador for the game. NBA commissioner Adam Silver is in the process of putting together a European league and according to Joe Vardon of The Athletic, Gasol is under consideration for a prominent role in that:
Among the 250 people assembled by NBA commissioner Adam Silver and his team at a posh London hotel just steps from the Thames River was Hall of Famer Pau Gasol, whom numerous sources said is under consideration for a top role in Silver’s European venture.
“This is a very unique opportunity,” Gasol told the crowd. “It’s all about learning from each other. It’s all about creating this new venture together. Yes, we’re talking about (the) league, but this goes far beyond. It is about the ecosystem, it’s about the grassroots, it’s about the domestic leagues and it’s about the impact on the children. … There’s so much at stake, and that’s why I think this is so important and so impactful, and why I’m so excited to be a part of it too.”
The Athletic could not reach Gasol, a six-time NBA All-Star and former anchor of the Spanish national team, for further comment on his likely role with the European league. International sources said he is under consideration for a prominent role, but it is too soon to know what NBA Europe’s leadership structure will be — if there will be a single commissioner or multiple executives.
Gasol is the perfect person for this as he played in both Europe and the NBA and has taken his role as an ambassador very seriously in his post-playing career.
The NBA European league is still in the very early stages but things seem to be coming together quickly, especially with Gasol now involved.
Lakers’ Luka Doncic named All-Star starter
The NBA announced the starters for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, where they will be going to a USA vs. World format for the first time.
Doncic made the cut as the leading vote-getter in the NBA, leading the World team at Intuit Dome in Inglewood next month, which will mark his sixth All-Star appearance.
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