With all the talk of bringing in an array of superstar free agents, those players that were on the Lakers last year are nearly being forgotten. Such is the case for Pau Gasol, who has stayed out of the headlines and used the long off-season to prepare for the back-end of his career. Once free agency starts at midnight Eastern time tonight, Gasol has a list of teams he’ll speak with, including the Thunder and not including the Lakers.
"Gasol has said numerous times that his main priority is playing for a title-contending team. He will meet with Oklahoma City, Chicago and Golden State and might also sit down with the Lakers– Mike Bresnahan, LA Times"
Gasol has been the oft-criticized big man for the Lakers since he was acquired via trade in 2009. After helping lead the Lakers to three straight NBA Finals, Gasol became the whipping boy for the Lakers struggles, quite unfairly in most cases.
Nevertheless, the ever professional Spaniard never snapped back, absorbing the hate and pushing on. Now, as a free agent, the ball is in his court for the first time and he’s made it known that he wants to be in a situation to win a title. Right now, the Lakers are not that team, but depending on what happens in free agency, they could become one.
Do you want Pau back with the Lakers?