Pau Gasol has not been with the Los Angeles Lakers for the past two games as he is still recovering from vertigo. While he looks to return for the Lakers’ final 10 games of the season, Gasol is in the final year of his contract and will be an unrestricted free agent this summer.
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Although he has voiced his frustrations about the season, Gasol recently mentioned that he wants to be on a team with a real chance to win a championship next season and hasn’t ruled out the Lakers according to Marca.com:
“My priority is basketball. I want to be on a team with real chances of winning the championship next season. I don’t rule out staying in Los Angeles if the circumstances are appropriate.”
Despite numerous attempts to trade him since the failed Chris Paul trade, Gasol is still open to returning to the Lakers under the right circumstances. As a veteran player nearing the end of his career, playing for a championship contender is important.
The Lakers have a lot of work to do this summer in terms of revamping the roster to construct a championship contender. If Gasol wants to stay in Los Angeles to finish his career, he will likely have to take a significant paycut from the $19 million he will earn this season.
In 59 games this season, Gasol is averaging 17.5 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks.
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