Six-time NBA All-Star Pau Gasol hasn’t played basketball for more than a year, but the 39-year-old Spanish center isn’t thinking about retirement just yet. In a recent chat with Spanish media, Gasol said that he would like to play one more season, either with the Los Angeles Lakers or Barcelona.
Gasol suffered a season-ending foot injury back in March 2019 and has been out of action ever since. He attempted a comeback with Portland Trail Blazers in November but ended up leaving the franchise without making a single appearance.
Still, Gasol isn’t ready to walk from basketball as he’s hoping to be part of Spain’s basketball team at the Olympics in Tokyo next year. And in order to do so, he wants to play one additional season at a high level.
“My intention is to play another season if the foot is OK, either in the NBA or in Europe,” said Gasol. “A final season with the Lakers is attractive, finishing at Barca is attractive, but you have to see the real possibilities and see what situation would be best for the circumstances of the moment.”
However, Gasol’s plans might change in the future, depending on how his foot recovers.
“When I can start running and jumping I will have a lot more information to know for sure if the foot and the bone are consolidated for me to be playing professional basketball again,” he added.
Gasol spent 19 seasons in the NBA so far, playing with Memphis Grizzlies, Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs among other teams. In addition to winning two NBA titles with Lakers, he has six All-Star appearances and has made the All-NBA team four times.
