A number of moves and decisions made by the Lakers front office have been criticized by the media, fans, and even some of the players in the locker room. A lot of the criticisms within the franchise have been come from Lakers stars Pau Gasol and Kobe Bryant.
With his contract set to run out after this season, Gasol spoke with Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times about his future with the Lakers after the embarrassing loss last night to the Oklahoma City Thunder:
A lot of factors will influence me going one place or staying here, we’ll take everything into account.
If he was to remain with the Lakers, Gasol would have to take a massive pay cut from the $19.3 million he is due this season. The Lakers are trying to keep as much cap room available for the next two off-seasons when a number of big-name players can become free agents.
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While Bryant recently called for big changes from the Lakers, Gasol, in classic Gasol fashion, simply wishes the best for this Lakers franchise:
I always want this organization to do great and to be cast in the best possible scenario, I hope everything works out well for the organization, for management, for ownership. I’m very appreciative, and if I continue to be here I would also want them to be in the best possible position.
Gasol has had no problem voicing his frustrations this season, calling out D’Antoni for his offensive system. If D’Antoni will be here for the forseeable future, Gasol could have some reservations about committing to the Lakers, while taking a pay cut no less.
Needless to say, Gasol’s future with the Lakers will continue to be one of the biggest questions heading into the off-season.
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