The Lakers drafted Marc Gasol with the 48th pick overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft. He’s developed into one of the best centers in the league, but he’s never worn purple and gold. As you all know, the Lakers traded Marc to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for his brother Pau.
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Pau helped the Lakers win two championships, but it would have been nice if Mitch Kupchak would have included another asset instead of Marc in that historic trade. Kobe would have been very happy with both Gasol brother helping him chase more titles.
Now, Marc is a free agent and is could go anywhere he likes. Some Laker fans had hoped the younger Gasol would consider returning to the team that drafted him, but that’s simply not the case. According to Mike Bresnahan of the LA Times, Marc has no interest in signing with the Lakers:
"Marc Gasol has no interest in the Lakers because of the uneasy last few years his brother spent with them, according to numerous people familiar with the situation."
Pau was a fan favorite when the Lakers were winning championships, but then was constantly involved in trade rumors. At one point he was traded as a part of the Chris Paul trade, but stayed with the Lakers when it was surprisingly vetoed. Pau was the ultimate professional and still came back to perform for the Lakers.
The Lakers should have treated Pau better during his last couple seasons in Los Angeles. Kobe loved him and was great on and off the court. If Pau is still with the Lakers, maybe he would have convinced his brother to leave Memphis.
There’s a very good chance Marc stays put. Memphis is the only place he’s known since he was a teenager and the Grizzlies have a good team that can contend for a title. Unfortunately, he will terrorize the Lakers in the Western Conference for years to come.