With the Los Angeles Lakers expected to pursue LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony in free agency, there has been uncertainty surrounding Pau Gasol’s future in the purple and gold.
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On Friday night, rumors started to circulate that Phil Jackson and the New York Knicks are expected to pursue the Spaniard. However, the Lakers believe re-signing Gasol could be vital in their solo pursuit for Carmelo Anthony should they not be able to sign LeBron James according to ESPN Los Angeles’ Dave McMenamin:
“In fact, should it appear that James and Anthony are not pursuing a mutual destination as a package deal — especially with Dwyane Wade, Udonis Haslem and Chris Bosh opting out of their deals with the Miami Heat — the Lakers believe that having Gasol back on the team could be vital in their solo pursuit of Anthony.”
While Gasol has been in trade rumors since the failed Chris Paul trade, the two-time champion is one of the best big men available in this year’s free agent market. Although the last couple of seasons have been difficult, Gasol remains open to returning to Los Angeles with Kobe Bryant being his biggest supporter and Mike D’Antoni no longer the head coach.
If the Lakers manage to sign Anthony and re-sign Gasol, the franchise would have an extremely talented trio of their own with Bryant returning from injury. With ample cap room, it will be interesting to see what direction the Lakers ultimately take as they look to rebound from the worst season in franchise history since moving to Los Angeles.
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