As the Lakers regular season mercifully comes to an end, the Lakers management will have some tough choices to make in terms of which players on the roster they want to bring back next season. One main focus this off-season is sure to be Pau Gasol.
Gasol has already said there’s a chance he stays with the Lakers after this season. But according to ESPN’s Nick Borges that decision may hinge on whether or not Mike D’Antoni is still coach:
Gasol and Mike D’Antoni have not been on the same page the last two seasons, which is why many think Gasol will leave if the head coach comes back in 2014-15.
Gasol also told Borges about his options to stay with his teammate Kobe Bryant or play with his brother in Memphis.
I’d love to play with Kobe Bryant more, because he’s a friend, he’s a winner and he’s a guy that I’ve been through a lot and won championships with. I would love to play with my brother, but you can’t have everything. Just try to think where is the best position for me to succeed collectively and individually.
Despite rumors that Gasol’s time in Los Angeles is done after this season, the Lakers have expressed a strong interest in re-signing Gasol in the off-season.
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Meanwhile, D’Antoni’s future in Los Angeles is just as unknown. There have been conflicting reports with some saying no decision has been made while others say the team is hoping for a peaceful, mutual parting.
With only two games left in one of the worst seasons in franchise history, the Lakers will continue to evaluate the talent they have in hopes of figuring out which players will return next season. The team will have ample cap space and a high draft pick in this June’s NBA draft.
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