However, before the team can decide who to sign, the front office must figure out which of the players on the 2013-14 roster they want to bring back. Both Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol are on the last season of their contracts, and it is unclear how much money, if any, these players will be receiving.
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It is hard seeing a scenario where Bryant doesn’t sign another contract with the Lakers if he’s still in the league, but Gasol’s future is foggy.
Gasol will make $19.3 million in the final year on his contract, and the Los Angeles Times writes that the Spaniard would like to remain on the team past his current deal.
“I would love to play for the franchise that I love playing for, that I’m proud to be a part of,” he said. “It would be great to continue to play for the Lakers.”
If the Lakers bring back both Gasol and Bryant, it will make an impact on how much money they can offer the other free agents. The free agency class of 2014 is a loaded one which could include LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh if they chose to opt out of their current contracts.
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