Previous reports I read implied that Pau Gasol was very interested in remaining with the Lakers and would do whatever it takes for that to happen. Well apparently taking a decrease in salary isn’t one of those things. Read more after the jump.
via LA Daily News
The Lakers only have three players under contract beyond next season, including Steve Nash, Robert Sacre and Nick Young. That leaves the Lakers with plenty of purchasing power to attract high-profile free agents, possibly including LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony. Of course, the Lakers also want to resign Kobe Bryant, whose $30.5 million contract expires after this season.
In the interest of the Lakers maximizing their financial flexibility, would Gasol accept taking a significant paycut?
“Probably not,” he said. “You have to explore your options, but I would like to continue to play for the Lakers and maybe finish my career here. But you have to see the cards on the table.”
With the Lakers looking to rebuild and add key pieces to the team, my guess is retaining Gasol isn’t high on their to-do list. Also considering he was at the center of trade talks for the past two seasons that doesn’t help his case much either. He’s also older, injury-prone and has seen a decrease in production and playing time. Still he’s a viable asset and plays well when able, so I’m sure he’ll still have offers on table but the Lakers probably won’t be in a bidding war to keep him.
