Pau Gasol had something of a mixed year this season. Even though he dealt with some injury issues, as well as disagreements with head coach Mike D’Antoni, Gasol improved greatly on his numbers from last season and was the centerpiece of the offense.
Now entering his mid-30s, many believe Gasol’s best days are behind him, and that he will no longer be a top player in this league. However, Gasol believes he has a lot of years left according to Lakers Nation reporter Serena Winters, spoke about it during the Lakers exit interviews:
Pau hopes/envisions playing another 5 more years.
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) April 17, 2014
Despite slowing down some over the last couple of years, Gasol remains one of the most skilled big men in the NBA. He has been able to rely on his vast array of moves, and soft touch to continue to score in the league.
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Gasol understands what his strengths are, and how he will thrive as he advances in age. He talked about his preferred style via Winters:
Pau: "I would always lean more towards a more controlled pace where you try to play smarter and out-think your opponents."
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) April 17, 2014
It was Gasol’s preference to slow the game down and operate from the post more often that often led to his disagreements with D’Antoni. The two simply have a difference in philosophy.
Whether or not Gasol will be playing these last five years in Los Angeles is anybody’s guess, but Gasol has endeared himself to the Lakers organization and community and will forever be a Laker.
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