Pau Gasol on Lakers future: I'd stay for Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant could have the power to convince Pau Gasol to stay in Los Angeles (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images Sport)
For months, it appeared Pau Gasol's time as a Laker might be coming to an end this offseason, but that sentiment could be changing if his recent comments are any indication.
Mark Medina ofThe Los Angeles Daily Newsrelays the latest from Gasol, who says he would consider staying in Los Angeles if a certain someone wants him to:
“Re-signing for the Lakers is a possibility, but I’m not sure whether to say it’s a remote one,” Gasol wrote Wednesday on his personal Web site. “If there’s anything or anyone who could make me stay it’s Kobe Bryant. I’d stay for him, but there’d have to be significant changes. I’ve said it many times: I want to be in a team that has a solid chance to win another tournament and where I can be an important factor in the game.”
Gasol's assertion that he would stay for Kobe is certainly relevant, given that Bryant is signed to a massive, two-year contract. Other factors are in play, though. Medina went on to address Gasol's well-chronicled issues with Lakers coach Mike D'Antoni, who has two years left on his contract but whose status with the team has been the subject of much speculation.
Gasol also reiterated his philosophical differences with coach Mike D’Antoni. Gasol prefers to play a post-oriented offense at a methodical pace, while D’Antoni has wanted to feature Gasol more in pick-and-roll situations and as a facilitator in a faster-paced offense.
“I’ve never concealed the fact that D’Antoni’s style doesn’t suit my game,” Gasol wrote. “Everybody knows this. I don’t know if my decision will be swayed by whether Mike stays or leaves. Obviously, the coach is a very important factor for any team.”
have "great interest" in re-signing Gasol
Robert Sacre
