Outside of Carmelo Anthony and the Big 3 down in Miami, Pau Gasol is headlining the NBA free agency rumor report. The long-time Lakers forward is officially done with his contract and left with the decision of jumping the sinking Los Angeles ship for another contending team or stay on with the Lakers as they rebuild for the future. Clearly undecided about his free agency future considering several teams are emerging as landing spots, Gasol says he would consider staying put for Kobe Bryant.
Bryant has stated he will not be doing any recruiting this offseason. One of the league's biggest and most respected stars, Bryant certainly has some pull among his peers, but the All-Star has said he plans to focus on rehabbing injuries and let the front office handle roster moves. So while Bryant might not be calling Gasol to discuss next season, the forward is considering staying and playing with the star while he finishes his career.
"Re-signing for the Lakers is a possibility, but I'm not sure whether to say it's a remote one," Gasol said, via the Los Angeles Daily News. "If there's anything or anyone who could make me stay it's Kobe Bryant. I'd stay for him, but there'd have to be significant changes. I've said it many times: I want to be in a team that has a solid chance to win another tournament and where I can be an important factor in the game."
Gasol might be willing to stay for Bryant, but what about Mike D'Antoni? With another guaranteed year on his contract, there is a good chance the head coach stays put for another season. Gasol and D'Antoni are not each other's biggest fans. The forward publically criticized the coach's offensive plan while D'Antoni criticized Gasol for speaking poorly about him. Many believe that if D'Antoni stays, Gasol goes, but he is denying that as the real plan.
"I've never concealed the fact that (Lakers coach Mike) D'Antoni's style doesn't suit my game," Gasol said. "Everybody knows this. I don't know if my decision will be swayed by whether Mike stays or leaves. Obviously, the coach is a very important factor for any team."
A decision on D'Antoni has yet to be made. The team is reportedly weighing options before bringing in the head coach to discuss things. Financially, it makes sense to retain him for one more season, but if they feel that might hurt free agency then D'Antoni is likely fired. Meanwhile the New York Knicks have hired Phil Jackson and he has every intention of recruiting his former player. Time will tell where his loyalties remain.
