The Los Angeles Lakers only have Pau Gasol under contract for one more season, but the former All-Star hopes to stay with the franchise where he's already won two titles. Gasol says he holds no grudges for past trade rumors and remains positive while expecting to play a larger role with L.A. next season.
"I would love to play for the franchise that I love playing for, that I'm proud to be a part of," Gasol told Eric Pincus of the L.A. Times. "It would be great to continue to play for the Lakers."
The Lakers will be paying $19.3 million for Gasol's services next season before he hits free agency in the summer. That always felt like the time when Gasol would inevitably leave the franchise while in a declining role, but coach Mike D'Antoni said he expects the Spaniard to have "the best year he's ever had" in 2013-14.
If that happens, the Lakers may be tempted to retain Gasol -- depending on the price -- while keeping him with the franchise that he loves.
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