The Los Angeles Lakers are preparing to make a big run on free agency in 2014. In order to make that possible, someone is going to have to take a pay cut. AS of now the team has two players with guaranteed contracts for next season, Steve Nash and Robert Sacre. Los Angeles has just over $10 million in committed salary, meaning key players will have to be willing to lower their salary.
With just a small amount of money committed to two players, the Lakers have a lot of flexibility. However, with Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol looking for more big money, someone is going to have to back down or risk getting released. Gasol is well aware that between he and Bryant, he will be the one to be forced to lower the salary demands.
"If I perform well, am reliable and put up a great season, then I'm sure the Lakers will have interest in extending me maybe before the season is over," Gasol said, via the Los Angeles Times. "We'll see if there's interest or not. Then we'll go from there."
So would Gasol be willing to take a pay cut if the Lakers want him back after this season?
"Probably not," Gasol said. "You have to explore your options, but I would like to continue to play for the Lakers and maybe finish my career here. But you have to see the cards on the table."
Gasol has spent most of the last season fighting off trade rumors. The Lakers knew this summer was coming and when Dwight Howard opted to not return, many assumed Gasol would be the next to go. When it comes to contract, Bryant is going to get his money no matter. He will be a Laker for as long as he desires. Since he can make upwards of $30 million with a new deal, it makes other players uncertain. Gasol will not have that luxury to demand the money he thinks he deserves.
Gasol is making $19.3 in the final year of his contract. He will have plenty of value on the market if he chooses to not give the Lakers a hometown discount. Head coach Mike D'Antoni is centering a lot of the offense on Gasol's skillset. Feeling healthy and refreshed, he could be in for a big season which means more money.
"I'm going to be a little more physical this year. Once I get in better shape, I'll be able to do more, too," Gasol said. "I did this knowing I'm going to be playing at center a lot more. I'm going to have to guard centers, protect the paint and box out."
