Pau Gasol Disputes One Rumor, Expects More

Pau Gasol is no Lamar Odom. Aside from the fact that it’s highly unlikely the Spaniard will ever marry into a family made infamous for the defense of O.J. Simpson and a sex tape made for desperate attention he’s also not going to sulk every time he’s mentioned in a trade rumor.

Gasol spent this past season playing for a team he knew wanted him gone. While Gasol’s postseason production dipped once again at least we had Mike Brownto blame instead of an allegedly broken heart.

Now that the Lakers are home early once again the Gasol rumors have begun to fly…again.

Currently making the rounds is a rumor that Gasol informed someone within the Laker organization that he’d like to take his talents to Chicago. While the Bulls aren’t great trade partners for the Lakers Gasol still felt it was necessary to dispute the report and said so to the L.A. Times by reiterating his desire to remain a Laker.

"“My position is still the same. I still would love to be a part of the Lakers and continue to be here to help the team win more championships as soon as possible. I don’t know where that came from.”"

Perhaps just lip service but more than likely the honest truth, Pau knows his legacy will forever be tied to the purple and gold. But in keeping with our anti-Lamar theme Gasol is realistic about what to expect. He knows this the time of year when every other day there is another trade rumor.

"“It’s pointless to really worry about it. I’m totally cool with it, whatever they say. The stories will appear and then disappear on something that does or doesn’t happen again. It sucks to be in that position, but it is what it is. There’s a lot of rumors. Different rumors, all kinds of rumors. Once the draft gets closer, all kinds of stuff still again will come up.”"

He also realizes that any season that doesn’t end with a parade is considered a failure in Los Angeles. We’re going on two straight years of disappointing playoff exits. Somebody has got to take the fall. That’s just the way it works. Pau understands that. Lamar never did. Is there any doubt as to why Gasol is still a Laker despite two straight years of rumoring?