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The Los Angeles Lakers have reached out to unrestricted free agent and two-time NBA champion Pau Gasol, reports Ramona Shelburne of ESPN. The Lakers and Gasol are reportedly open to discussing a future together, though multiple teams are expected to court the talented big man.
Gasol is expected to receive interest from the Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, Atlanta Hawks and Phoenix Suns. Los Angeles still needs to address their positional need at center, and Gasol is an option if the team feels he can help them contend immediately. The Lakers are also interested in re-signing him as a way to lure other free agents, pitching the return of Gasol as a way to add an established veteran.
Contending teams will likely consider signing Gasol, and he is expected to have a wide range of destinations to choose from after spending seven seasons with the Lakers. Gasol made $19.2 million in his final year with the Lakers, but is expected to take a significant paycut after two down years in Los Angeles.