The Los Angeles Lakers could have a good option to bolster their frontcourt bench this year with former Chicago Bulls big man Pau Gasol.
The free agent market has already heated up around the NBA with the season set to resume as soon as July 30, with games being held at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, FL. The NBA’s “bubble” plan will involve 22 teams that were either in the playoffs, or closest to the playoff picture once the season was put on hiatus in the midst of the novel coronavirus pandemic back in mid-March. The Chicago Bulls are not going to be one of those 22 teams competing in the season restart later this month.
But there’s already a number of former Bulls players scooped up out of free agency with various contenders and teams fighting for their playoff lives. Those former Bulls that were already picked up out of free agency recently ahead of the season restart are point guard Cam Payne to the Phoenix Suns, guard Jerian Grant to the Orlando Magic, and center Joakim Noah to the Los Angeles Clippers.
Two former Bulls that are significant veteran names remaining in the free agent market are point guard Jamal Crawford and power forward Pau Gasol. Given the various needs to add backcourt depth and a veteran spark plug off the bench, it shouldn’t be much longer before Crawford signs somewhere. And if Gasol is rested and recovered from his latest round of injury troubles, he could still contribute in a limited role off the bench.
Gasol saw his time with the Portland Trail Blazers officially come to an end earlier in the 2019-20 season.
A report released by AP News last month could give an indication as to where Gasol could land after his brief but injured stint with the Blazers ended. It seems like he would be interested in running it back once more with the Los Angeles Lakers or take his talents overseas and sign with FC Barcelona in his home country of Spain.
Gasol got both of his NBA Championship rings with the Lakers, and three of his six All-Star nods. Two of his other All-Star selections came during his run with the Bulls, and the last of the six with the Memphis Grizzlies. He is also a four-time All-NBA Team selection, and won the 2001-02 Rookie of the Year honors.
Once the season resumes, Gasol will be 39. Without a doubt his best years are now in the rear view irritation. But both he and Crawford could contribute some valuable but limited minutes off the bench for any contender that needs to fill out their rotation.
The Lakers are the one seed in the Western Conference heading into the resumption of the season. Meanwhile, the Bulls were well outside of the playoff picture as they finished up with a record of 22-43 this season prior to the hiatus.