After several trade discussions, injuries, benching and problems with coach Mike D’Antoni, Pau Gasol actually wants to remain with the Lakers. Read more after the jump.
After a difficult season, Lakers forward/center Pau Gasol is looking forward to a new start this fall with the Lakers sans Dwight Howard. “I understood and understand it was a difficult situation for a lot of people, to make things work,” Gasol said Friday in a phone call from Spain. “As difficult as it was at times, now it’s behind us and all we can do is focus on the present and what’s coming.” Coach Mike D’Antoni even benched Gasol for a stretch, hoping to find a way to build a winner around Howard despite Gasol’s track record with two NBA titles.
“I don’t hold grudges. I really don’t get stuck in the past,” Gasol said. “Things happen for a reason, that’s why I always stay in the present. I’m happy with my position now. I’m excited to get started in training camp when the time comes.” To be fair, the decision to prioritize Howard over Gasol was a franchise decision — not just D’Antoni’s. D’Antoni recently told local radio that he anticipates Gasol will be a major part of the Lakers’ success next season.
“I would love to play for the franchise that I love playing for, that I’m proud to be a part of,” Gasol said. “It would be great to continue to play for the Lakers.”
