“A Final Season”: Lakers Legend Hints At A Possible Return to the NBA

The fans and the entire organization of the Los Angeles Lakers are yearning for their 17th NBA championship in franchise history. They currently stand atop the Western Conference table and would be raring to go when the season resumes in Orlando next month. In other news, a former Lakers fan favorite is eying a return to the team, six years after his initial departure. 

No Laker fan can forget the legacy of Pau Gasol. The late 2000s saw a spectacular display of basketball from the team that rocks the purple and gold. The dynamic duo of Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol helped the Lakers clinch back-to-back championships. The unfortunate part is the team hasn’t won a title since. 

Getting back to Gasol’s status, the 39-year-old is hopeful of making a return to basketball. Gasol who has been recovering from a foot injury, recently launched a free online basketball academy that runs from June 28 to July 4. 

Speaking to the Spanish media about his venture, Gasol also mentioned good news about his rehabilitation. “I’m feeling good. I’ve had more time to recover,” he said. “When I can start running and jumping, I will have a lot more information to know for sure if the foot and the bone are consolidated for me to be playing professional basketball again.”

Bearing this good news, Gasol further explored his basketball options. He picked out two teams where he would like to try his luck and retire once the perfect time comes. 

Pau Gasol is considering an attractive return to the Lakers

The six-time All-Star is apparently keeping the door open for an NBA return. Gasol has played for five different teams in the league, yet the city of Los Angeles has his heart. 

“My intention is to play another season if the foot is OK, either in the NBA or in Europe,” Gasol said. “A final season with the Lakers is attractive, finishing at Barca is attractive, but you have to see the real possibilities and see what situation would be best for the circumstances of the moment.”

Besides his intentions of playing for his hometown club Barcelona, Pau Gasol revealed his interest in re-joining the Lakers. Having spent six years with the team, Gasol became an instant fan favorite owing to his spectacular talents. He and Kobe hit it off well and that proved to be a valuable partnership for the team. 

At 39, if Gasol decides to return, he is likely to choose the option of playing in Spain. Having spent three years at Barcelona before entering the NBA, his childhood team would probably be his preferred destination.