Pau Gasol will become an unrestricted free agent this summer, and the Los Angeles Lakers center is expected to draw the interest of title contenders when he hits free agency.
Most league executives are convinced that Gasol will not stay in Los Angeles, but the All-Star forward revealed that he will not rule out returning to the Lakers next season.
"My priority is basketball. I want to be on a team with real chances of winning the championship next season," Gasol told Marca as reported by Hoops Hype. "I don't rule out staying in Los Angeles if the circumstances are appropriate."
Gasol, who has spent the past seven seasons with the Lakers, has been very vocal about his intention to play for a championship contender in the remaining years of his career.
Earlier this month, Gasol also said that his free agency decision will be based purely on sporting factors, saying that the financial side of his future is only second to his desire to win more titles.
"My decision will be based purely on sporting considerations. It couldn't be any other way. I want to be in a team with a real chance of winning a ring and where I can help to compete for it. I would like to win another championship. The financial side comes second at this stage of my career," Gasol said.
[SEE: Pau Gasol To Keep Options Open]
Based on their performance this season, the Lakers are nowhere near to becoming a strong title contender, barring major changes in the offseason.
Reports indicated, though, that the Lakers are planning to make a big splash on the free agency market and on the trade front this summer with reports indicating that they are going to make a strong push to acquire Kevin Love.
ESPN reported that the Lakers will offer their high lottery pick in the stacked 2014 NBA Draft in a trade package for Love, who could ask for a trade from the Minnesota Timberwolves before he hits free agency in the summer of 2015.
[ALSO: LA Lakers Planning To Trade Lottery Pick For Kevin To Build Championship Roster]
But if the Lakers manage to strike a trade to acquire Love, it is unclear whether or not they will look to re-sign Gasol, who is averaging 17.5 points and 9.8 rebounds this season, for a possible title run next year.
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