Pau Gasol may be retired, but Los Angeles Lakers fans will once again get to root for the family name.
Former Toronto Raptors and Memphis Grizzlies big man Marc Gasol signed a two-year, $5.3 million deal with the Lakers on Tuesday, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
Charania reported over the weekend that the Lakers had emerged as a “serious suitor” for Gasol, who could’ve returned to Toronto. The Los Angeles Clippers and Brooklyn Nets also were in the running for the three-time All-Star and one-time Defensive Player of the Year.
The 35-year-old is coming off one-and-a-half seasons with the Raptors, helping the club win an NBA title in 2019. Last season, Gasol averaged 7.5 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game with Toronto.
Los Angeles put a priority on bringing in the Spaniard after losing Dwight Howard to the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency. With Gasol on board and a number of new additions, including Montrezl Harrell and Dennis Schroder, the Lakers are primed to defend their title during the 2020-21 campaign, which is slated to begin next month.
Erin Walsh is a Boston sports fan through and through. Although many think Boston sports fans are insufferable, Erin tries to see things from a neutral perspective. Her passion is hockey, and she believes defense wins championships. In addition to covering sports for Yardbarker, she covers Boston sports for NBC Sports Boston. Follow her on Twitter @ewalsh90
