Pau Gasol Rumors: Uncertain Future with L.A. Lakers Signals Time to Move On

The 2012-13 NBA season has officially come to a close for the Los Angeles Lakers. After a season of pure and utter turmoil, the Lakers were swept out of the playoffs by the San Antonio Spurs and are now left in "roster evaluation" mode.

With his future uncertain, it's now time for Pau Gasol to move on to a situation in which he receives something the Lakers have been unable to provide—job security.

Gasol had his exit interview on Tuesday, April 30, and the topic of his individual future was inevitably brought up. Although Gasol couldn't elaborate more on the issue, he spoke to the fact that his time with the Lakers could be coming to a close.

According to Brian Kamentzky of Land O' Lakers, Gasol wasn't given a definitive answer as to what L.A.'s plans are for him:



Per Marc J. Spears of Yahoo! Sports, Gasol is hoping for the best but prepared for the worst:



Unfortunately, that appears to be all Gasol can do.

If Gasol is to maximize his world-class abilities, the best way for him to do so would be to get a fresh start. While that appears to be out of Gasol's hands, there is reason to believe the Lakers would serve him best by presenting him with job security and comfort.

If L.A. can't, another franchise will need to weigh all factors as to what Gasol can provide and why he struggled in 2012-13.

 

Accomplished and Elite



The word "elite" is thrown around rather haphazardly, often landing upon players undeserving of the qualification. When you've been the anchor for two NBA championships, own four All-Star Game appearances and have made three All-NBA selections, however, you're elite.

That's the way you describe Pau Gasol, who was averaging 17.0 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.2 blocks before being snubbed of what would have been his fifth honor at the 2012 All-Star Game.

In 2012-13, Ga...

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