Three-time All-Star center Marc Gasol decided to extend his NBA career despite the rumors that the 35-year-old player might return home and play in Spain next season. According to multiple reports, Gasol agreed to a two-year deal with Los Angeles Lakers and will follow the footsteps of his brother Pau.
This will be the first time that Gasol plays for the franchise that originally drafted him into the NBA. The Lakers selected Gasol with the 48th overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft before trading him to Memphis Grizzlies a year later.
Despite Gasol reportedly signing to a veteran’s minimum contract, the Lakers needed to do some cap-space gymnastics in order to finalize the deal. This included sending JaVale McGee alongside a second-round pick to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Gasol is the latest piece of business in a busy offseason that saw the Lakers add guard Dennis Schroder and snatching away reigning NBA Sixth Man of the Year Montrezl Harell from Los Angeles Clippers.
Marc Gasol spent the previous two years with the Toronto Raptors, helping the franchise to its first NBA title in 2018/19. Last season, Gasol averaged career-low 7.5 points and 6.2 rebounds per game but got his assists average to 3.3 while remaining a formidable defensive presence on the floor.
Gasol played most of his career with the Grizzlies, where he became one of the most impactful players in franchise history. Aside from three All-Star nods, he also had two All-NBA teams selections and was voted NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2013 while in Memphis.
