Los Angeles Lakers: 3 players who might not finish the season in LA

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 21: Kent Bazemore #26 of the Golden State Warriors looks on against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on April 21, 2021 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 21: Kent Bazemore #26 of the Golden State Warriors looks on against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on April 21, 2021 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
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(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers

1. Marc Gasol

This one is quite obvious as there are already rumblings that Marc Gasol may not finish the season with the Lakers. In fact, Gasol might not even make it to the regular season with the Lakers, opening another hole on the roster for the team to pursue a player.

While nothing is yet official, it is reportedly not a lock that Gasol returns to the Lakers for the 2021-22 season. Gasol is under contract for one more year and while the Lakers could theoretically trade him, the team is not going to get much in return, so it is unlikely.

The Lakers could also buy out Gasol if he makes a fit of it and wants to sign with another team but if the Lakers are going to pay the salary anyway I doubt they do him that favor. Instead, if Gasol is not on the Lakers next season it will be because he retired from the NBA and went to go play with his brother Pau in Spain.

The Lakers would obviously have to sign another center if that is the case. The team should probably add another big as is but losing Gasol, even if he was disappointing last season, does really hurt the depth of the position and the Lakers would struggle if the roster remained as is without Gasol.

Barring a midseason retirement, if Gasol makes it to the regular season then he will probably last the entire year. It is getting to the season that is up in the air.