Pau Gasol is used to trade rumors surrounding his name. The Los Angeles Lakers have been toying with a deal since the start of the season. Things only ramped up when Kobe Bryant signed a contract extension that has left very little room for Gasol in the future. With trade deadline quickly approaching, Gasol is finally speaking out and stating that he would rather remain with the Lakers, for at least the season.
"My preference would be to stay," Gasol said, via the Los Angeles Times. "That's what I've been saying all year, though the circumstances are difficult right now for our team and nobody's too happy. But it's still my team and I still want to be here. I think I feel wanted. Otherwise I wouldn't be here. The team would have pulled the trigger with prior opportunities that I'm sure had been on the table. I feel like the team appreciates me. It's just a tough moment, I think, as far as the franchise losses. That always is going to stir things up and you've got to look at options and possibilities to get better as a team, a franchise."
Gasol is aware the Phoenix Suns are targeting a deal for him. The team has offered up Emeka Okafor and draft picks in exchange for the star. However, Gasol's recent groin injury has stopped negotiations for the time being. The Suns prefer to wait and see how he responds when getting back on the court before ultimately make a decision on the trade.
"Things are kind of quiet right now," Gasol said. "But I think there's something potential. But right now the offer would have to change a little to make it considerable. I've been mentally ready more or less and emotionally ready for a while now ... for three years now. As we get close to it, I'm sure things will heat up at some point and we'll see if they actually fall through or they don't. Either way, I'll be ready and once that date kind of passes, just finish off the season strong and see where I'm at."
Gasol sounds ready for a move from the Lakers whether it happens before Feb. 20 or in the offseason. The Lakers will only trade him if they feel the return deal helps them in the long run. The Suns will have to offer up at least one first-round pick to sway Los Angeles in the deal. For now, Gasol says he is focused on rehabbing his recent injury and returning to a basketball court no matter where it is.
