25 May 2012

Uncertainty shrouds Gasol's future with Lakers

5:16 am on 25 May 2012

The Spanish basketballer Pau Gasol expressed uncertainty about his future with the Los Angeles Lakers after his NBA postseason exit interview with general manager Mitch Kupchak at the team's training facility.

The Lakers were eliminated from the Western Conference semi-finals by the Oklahoma City Thunder after an erratic playoff run during which Gasol was accused by team mate Kobe Bryant of not displaying enough aggression.

The Spaniard had already experienced an uncertain regular season after a blockbuster three-way trade that would have sent him to the Houston Rockets and brought All-Star guard Chris Paul to Los Angeles was vetoed by NBA Commissioner David Stern.

Gasol, a four-times All Star who is renowned for his all-round skills and deft touch, concedes he often felt uncomfortable as the team's third option on offence this season behind fellow All Stars Bryant and Andrew Bynum.