Free-agent Marc Gasol found a new home over the weekend, agreeing to a two-year contract with the Los Angeles Lakers according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Zach Lowe.
The veteran Spanish big man, who spent the past season and a half with the Toronto Raptors, will arrive in LA to strengthen the defending champions who look to be priming for another title run in 2020-21.
Gasol, a three-time All-Star and an NBA Champion after winning the title with Toronto in 2019, debated whether or not he would return to play in his native country after his contract with the Raptors expired. He ultimately decided to join the NBA’s most star-studded roster, however.
The 35-year-old center had a down year with Toronto last season, averaging only 7.5 points and 6.3 rebounds per game, career worsts in each statistic. He was forced into a secondary role in Toronto, losing much of the offensive relevance he had during his career with the Grizzlies.
It isn’t immediately clear what Gasol’s role will be with the Lakers, but he figures to be a steadying presence in the paint for a team that would like to add some veteran muscle alongside star forward Anthony Davis next year.
Expect Gasol’s new deal to be announced over the next few days.
