After securing Kobe Bryant for (likely) the rest of his career, all eyes are on the summer and the possibilities. Starting in-house, all eyes are focused on Pau Gasol. Prior to the season, most thought Gasol would have a featured role in Mike D’Antoni’s offense and, therefore, flourish. While the opportunities have been there, the production hasn’t.
Nevertheless, Gasol addressed his free agency with NBA.com’s Scott Howard-Cooper. First, on what he’ll prioritize in free agency,
"“There’s different factors you have to take into account,” Gasol said. “The financial factor. That I’ve been with this franchise, for what I’ve been through, the loyalty I have to them. And also the chances of winning a championship. Those three are the most. What percentage I will give or prioritize, we’ll see when the opportunities come along. But I would like to first be in a position to win a championship again and enjoy the last few years of my career and be in a good position to do so.”"
Then, Gasol was asked about the possibility of return to the Grizzlies, uniting with his brother Marc,
"“It’s appealing,” Pau Gasol told NBA.com. “One of the best centers in the NBA, one of the best interior players, is my brother. There’s a lot of attractive factors there. But who knows if that’s even a possibility or if that will ever happen. Right now, I’m just trying to focus on (the Lakers’ opponents) and staying healthy and playing a very successful year so this team and others will have the certainty and the confidence that I am a difference maker, that I am an elite player and I have a lot of years in me.”"
Gasol has long been in the middle of trade speculations seemingly since joining the Lakers. He was even dealt at one point when the Lakers thought they had acquired Chris Paul before it was infamously vetoed. Despite it all, Gasol has remained the utmost professional, never causing a stir and rarely letting it effect his play.
Now, only time will tell if Gasol wants to come back to Los Angeles, or if Los Angeles wants him back.