Pau Gasol Acknowledges Financial Sacrifice To Remain With Lakers

Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol have a chat during practice

The Los Angeles Lakers begin their three-game road trip against the Washington Wizards tonight, but all the chatter is about Kobe Bryant’s extension. While there will continue to be discussions about the amount and timing of the extension until Bryant returns to the court, Pau Gasol shared his personal thoughts at shootaround.

After preparing for the Wizards, Gasol was happy for his teammate and believes it was the right move since Kobe is the face of the franchise. However, the two-time champion doesn’t know how it will affect his future with the team according to Lakers reporter Mike Trudell:

With Kobe remaining a Laker for two more seasons, the Lakers have not had any discussions with Gasol according to GM Mitch Kupchak. While he is only focused on playing at a high-level, Gasol acknowledged that he will need to make a financial sacrifice to remain with the team via LA Times’ Mike Bresnahan:

While some wanted Bryant to take a bigger pay cut, the Lakers will have about $22.2 million in cap room this upcoming summer. Along with having enough flexibility to sign another maximum-salary player, the Lakers could potentially free up another $6 million if they decide to use the Stretch provision on Steve Nash.

With the Lakers looking to reload next summer, Gasol will need to take a significant pay cut. The four-time All-Star is in the last year of his contract that pays him $19 million. While he is starting to play much better, the 33-year-old will likely have to follow in the footsteps of Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett and accept an offer in the $10 million range.

——————————————————————
Kobe Bryant Signs 2-Year $48.5 Million Contract Extension Will Lakers

You May Also Like

Lakers News: Anthony Davis Believes It Was ‘Tough’ For Russell Westbrook To Adjust His Game

Obviously the trio of LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook did not come together the way everyone hoped it would…

Lakers News: Austin Reaves & Phil Handy Participating In Champions Unite Talent Show

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves and assistant coach Phil Handy are among those scheduled to participate in Champions Unite…

Lakers News: Wenyen Gabriel Looking To Build Off Strong Performance In Loss To Mavericks

While the 2022-23 season has been a rollercoaster ride for the Los Angeles Lakers, there have been some consistent bright spots…

Lakers News: Talen Horton-Tucker Believes Game Started ‘Slowing Down’ For Him This Season

Los Angeles Lakers budding young star Talen Horton-Tucker has caught eyes from the beginning of the preseason and is now…