The Los Angeles Lakers suffered a huge loss this off-season when Pau Gasol decided not to return and join the Chicago Bulls.
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Gasol was beloved in Los Angeles and helped the team win two championships. The Lakers will meet Gasol and the Bulls on Christmas Day, but that will be in Chicago. According to ESPN’s Arash Markazi, Gasol will make his return to LA against the Lakers in January:
Pau’s return to L.A. to play the Lakers: Jan. 29
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) August 13, 2014
The official NBA schedule was just released and there are certain dates that will undoubtedly be circled.
Opening night against the hated Houston Rockets and Halloween night against the cross-town rival Clippers will be at at the top of the list, but no game will likely be more emotional than Gasol’s return.
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Gasol spent seven years in the purple and gold, averaging nearly 18 points and 10 rebounds during his time in Los Angeles. While he had some difficult years, he bounced back last year averaging over 17 points and nine rebounds.
Now in Chicago, Gasol will be looking to add another ring to his collection with a Bulls team many believe is the best in the Eastern Conference.
The Lakers will look to get some revenge on the Bulls as they swept the season series last year. But both games were close with one going to overtime.
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