Mitch Kupchak, Pau Gasol met in-person Tuesday afternoon
By Jacob Rude
While the Lakers have remained focused and prepared for the upcoming visit of Carmelo Anthony on Thursday, they are still monitoring their own free agent, namely their most important and valuable one in Pau Gasol. On Tuesday afternoon, Gasol met with Mitch Kupchak in-person to discuss the likelihood of him returning next season.
Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak met with free agent forward Pau Gasol in person on Tuesday, according to a league source.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) July 2, 2014
The meeting today between Kupchak and Gasol took place at an L.A. office building and lasted "a few hours," according to a source.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) July 2, 2014
Gasol, who has been under-appreciated for the latter part of his time in LA, now has a chance to decide his own fate and possibly leave the Lakers grasping. Always the professional, Gasol certainly will handle the situation and the impending decision with the utmost respect.
Considered a brother by Kobe Bryant himself, the thoughts and pleas of Bryant will certainly have an effect on Gasol. However, as Gasol has said before, putting himself in the best position to win a title. As of now, that position is NOT in Los Angeles, but if they do knock it out of the park with Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James, Gasol may be willing to take a discount and sign with the Lakers again.