The Los Angeles Lakers had a frustrating end to their 2012-13 regular season and their offseason could be even more of a debacle. As star Kobe Bryant continues to heal from a devastating injury, several marquee players are working to decide what their future looks like in Hollywood. Many of those decisions are hanging on whether free-agent-to-be Dwight Howard decides to return.
After getting swept out of the first round of the playoffs by the San Antonio Spurs, the Lakers have a rather big summer ahead of them. Many of their offseason moves revolve around both Howard and Pau Gasol. The center is trying to figure out what his future holds, hoping that Howard will make his decision soon so he can too.
"Dwight is looking at his options, and there's nothing wrong with that, I guess. I'm not him. i'm not in his position, but I guess it all starts with his decision and I'm sure the franchise is waiting to see whether he decides to sign (with the Lakers) or sign with somebody else, I guess," Gasol said to USA Today.
Gasol's future seems to always be in question during every offseason. Each year the Lakers are on the fence about him and he always ends up back in Los Angeles. With Howard uncertain about a return, it seems Gasol is feeling the same way. Both general manager Mitch Kupchak and Bryant have expressed their desire to keep the team together, but that might not be an option.
If Howard comes back, Gasol could be out. His salary would be a huge tax burden if Howard is still on the books. Gasol is owed $19.3 million in 2013. With his salary along with Howards, the team payroll would be $100 million with a tax hit of $70 million. Gasol realizes that this could hurt him in the long run.
"Obviously from the team's standpoint, the sooner Dwight makes his decision, the better. And as players and teammates too, because in a way, I don't know-there's certain things that depend on his decision, right? Probably. I don't know what the percentage, or to what extent, but to some extend, yes," Gasol said.
Howard has been vocal about his content to let free agency play itself out and see what happens. He is very interested in the Houston Rockets and the Dallas Mavericks will make a big push to sign him as well.