End of the Gasol Era

Sep 11

As the Los Angeles Lakers continue to add players to their veteran roster and prepare for training camp in three weeks (Sept.28). The Lakers on Sept. 10 agreed to trade Marc Gasol back to the Memphis Grizzlies. First reported by Senior NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski, the deal consisted of Marc Gasol, a 2024 second-round pick, and cash ($250,000) to Memphis in exchange for the draft rights to 27-year-old center Wang Zhelin who currently plays for the Fujian Sturgeons in the Chinese Basketball Association.

In the 2020 offseason, Marc was signed by the Lakers in hopes of using his skills to help LeBron and AD on the floor. However, Gasol in 52 games wearing the Purple & Gold averaged the lowest statistics of his career with 5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assist in 19.1 mins a game. Gasol, a player known for his passing, high IQ, and spacing ability didn’t get to showcase those aspects too much this season due to a crowded Lakers frontcourt and inability to break into the rotation due to unfavorable on-court matchups. Gasol, also similar to other Lakers last season, dealt with injuries preventing him from playing. Gasol in his exit interview via Lakers reporter Mike Trudell said “he was very thankful for the opportunity to play for the Lakers, and cited his family history with the franchise, and specifically what that meant for his brother Pau.”

Although this is the second time the Lakers have traded Marc Gasol to the Grizzlies. This deal was not imminent or surprising to say the least. Rumors began to spiral after Spain lost to Team USA in this year's summer olympics. Once Marc and Pau Gasol postgame decided to retire from Spain's international play. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst shared a tweet saying “Gasol confirmed he will comeback for a 13th season and finish his contract with the Lakers”. However a few weeks later Marc Stein of the Stein Line reported that “Marc Gasol is not a lock to return to the Lakers.” Following that report, DeAndre Jordan signed to a veteran minimum contract with the Lakers. It became more likely that Marc Gasol’s future with the team was going to end.

Furthermore, in the trade Memphis intends to buyout Gasol’s contract for him to remain in Spain with his family. If last season with the Lakers were to be Gasol’s last time in the NBA, the Spaniard can be described as a three time all star, a defensive player of year, and most of all an NBA Champion. Additionally once he retires, enshrined into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and has his jersey retired in the FedEx Forum. Gasol should be among the international elite who have grown the NBA to what it is today.

Overall, although Gasol’s time in Los Angeles was cut short, for both sides this was the right move to make as the Lakers save $10M and free up an extra roster spot.

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