The relationship between Marc Gasol and the Los Angeles Lakers came to a messy conclusion last week.
After a season of disappointment, broken promises and ill will – the two sides opted to go in different directions.
The Lakers maintain that one fairly significant reason led to their decision to split with Gasol.
Gasol, meanwhile, maintains that something else entirely was at the root of his displeasure with L.A.
The truth is probably a little from Column A and a little from Column B.
Either way – it looks like Gasol may not be as finished with the NBA as previously expected. In fact, he may soon land with another championship contender.
According to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, Gasol is a legitimately viable option for the Golden State Warriors.
“Marc Gasol is a name to watch,” Slater wrote. “He just wiggled his way away from the Lakers and, according to an ESPN report, plans to remain in Spain while sorting out the next (and perhaps last) phase of his playing career.”
As it turns out, Gasol actually came very close to signing with the Golden State Warriors before inking his Lakers deal.
“Gasol nearly signed with the Warriors last summer — and might have done so had Klay Thompson not ruptured his Achilles before free agency,” Slater reported. “It may never materialize, but he has the exact passing acumen and center skill set that has traditionally fit Kerr’s offense best, similar to David West and Andrew Bogut.”
Gasol has made it no secret that he has a very real beef with the Lakers. But that doesn’t mean he’s ready to call it an NBA career. If the Warriors can step up with a good offer, this could be a win-win for both sides.
Watch this space. If this move actually ends up coming to fruition, the Warriors will be a legit sleeper to keep an eye on in 2021-22.
More must-reads: