Pau Gasol received a standing ovation during the Lakers final home game, not only because of everything he’s done for the team, but also because many believed it was Gasol’s final home game as a Laker.
With Gasol becoming a free agent after this season and his well-publicized disputes with head coach Mike D’Antoni, many believe that Gasol will head to a contender in the off-season.
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While that may happen, the Lakers are not just content to let Gasol walk away. According to Lakers Nation reporter Serena Winters, General Manager Mitch Kupchak spoke about keeping Gasol during the Lakers exit interviews today:
Kupchak says Pau Gasol is "absolutely" a priority in free agency.
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) April 18, 2014
One day, Gasol should have his jersey hanging in the rafters of Staples Center. It would have to be difficult to just let someone who has done so much for the franchise just walk away. The Lakers are sure to pursue Gasol, but the question is how much are they willing to pay him.
Despite a disappointing season as a team, Gasol nearly averaged a double-double this season and had flashes where he resembled the All-Star player he was in 2009.
Gasol said that he plans on playing five more years, and remaining in Los Angeles is a possibility, especially because of his closeness with Kobe Bryant.
The Lakers seem keen on keeping him here at the right price, so if the two sides can come to an agreement, the Spaniard may be back in purple and gold next year.
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Pau Gasol Receives Standing Ovation In Final Lakers Home Game