Pau Gasol has an uncertain future ahead of him. After years of hearing his name in trade rumors, Gasol finally has the chance to choose his own path. He has made it well known that he may re-sign with the Lakers, but prefers to sign with a team that will offer him the best chance to win another title.
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On his blog, Gasol talks about how his future is uncertain and that if he were to re-sign, Kobe Bryant would be a main factor behind that decision:
Re-signing for the Lakers is a possibility, but I’m not sure whether to say it’s a remote one. If there’s anything or anyone who could make me stay it’s Kobe Bryant. I’d stay for him, but there’d have to be significant changes.
Gasol was a key part of Phil Jackson’s triangle system and if given the opportunity to play in a predominantly half court offense, his skill set could help any contending team. Although he is turning 34 in the coming months, Gasol will have no shortage of suitors this upcoming offseason.
Also, the two-time champion states the he is not sure whether his decision will be swayed with the decision to fire or retain D’Antoni:
I’ve never concealed the fact that D’Antoni’s style doesn’t suit my game. Everybody knows this. I don’t know if my decision will be swayed by whether Mike stays or leaves. Obviously, the coach is a very important factor for any team.
The decision to either move on from D’Antoni or not will have a huge impact on Gasol’s decision. Gasol’s future with the Lakers most likely won’t be set until after the upcoming draft. Should the Lakers choose draft a big man like Joel Embiid or Julius Randle, the team may be ready to move on from the Spaniard.
Throughout his tenure with the Lakers, Gasol has been pure class despite all the hardships that have been thrown his way. The Lakers are sure to extend an offer to Gasol as GM Mitch Kupchak recently stated the two-time champion is a priority this summer, and it will be up to him to decide if his time in Los Angeles is over.
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Lakers Pau Gasol Says Kobe Bryant A Deciding Factor This Summer