Lakers Rumors & News Recap: Gasol is Pumped and Kobe is Retiring…Soon

Arielle Moyal

12 years ago

It is hard to imagine a Lakers team without Kobe Bryant, but one day he is going to have to retire. Who would have thought that this Lakers guard thinks his career will only last two more years? With two years left on his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe is seriously considering calling it a career at 35 years-old. The recent acquisition of two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash may be enough to convince Kobe to prolong his career and possibly sign another contract, but as of right now, Kobe has no intention of signing another deal.

This is surprising seeing as he still is one of the best players in the league. There are also other players in the NBA who are much older than him and still playing. But Kobe has no intention of make the same mistake that some other stars made in terms of prolonging their careers. Kobe will have played 19 years in the league once his contract with the Lakers expires.

Pau Gasol put up his lowest average in points per game (17.4) and field goal shooting (50.1 percent) in his five years as a Laker last season. In fact, most Lakers fans were so frustrated at his playing ability, they were begging for a trade. But with the acquisition of Steve Nash, fans seem to be getting excited to see the two play together, rather than upset Gasol hasn’t been traded. Improvements are coming; it seems there are plans already being thought of and written down for how Gasol will play off Steve Nash.

The idea of bringing the pick-and-roll game between Nash and Gasol is something that the Lakers haven’t dished for their offense in years. Gasol should enter training camp in better condition due to his summer play representing Spain in the 2012 London Olympics. This will only add to improving Gasol’s overall game, stamina, and finesse. Nash’s energy is positively infecting the entire Lakers organization, and I like it!

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