Latest news with #PauGasol
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Pau Gasol sends Luka Doncic message after $165 million Lakers extension
The post Pau Gasol sends Luka Doncic message after $165 million Lakers extension appeared first on ClutchPoints. Recently, the Los Angeles Lakers helped solidify their future by signing Luka Doncic to a mammoth three-year, $165 million contract extension. The deal keeps Doncic in a Lakers uniform for the foreseeable future and also includes a player option for 2028, at which point he could opt out and sign potentially the most lucrative contract in NBA history. One person who was thrilled for Doncic was none other than former Lakers star Pau Gasol, who recently took to X, formerly Twitter, to extend his congratulations. 'Congratulations on your extension, happy for you and proud of the efforts your foundation is making to break down the barriers that too often stand in the way of young athletes chasing their dreams,' wrote Gasol. The last part of that statement was in reference to an announcement that the Luka Doncic Foundation made on X. 'Today @luka7doncic extended his future with the Lakers AND committed $5 million to help launch the futures of 77 young athletes around the world. Talent exists everywhere, and opportunity should too,' wrote the foundation. It was another example of just how embraced Doncic has become in the Los Angeles community in such a short amount of time. A huge move for the Lakers Some have wondered whether the Lakers' increasingly obvious prioritization of Doncic would serve as a kind of alienation for LeBron James, who signed with Los Angeles in 2018 and delivered them a championship two years later. James added fuel to this fire by indirectly putting out a statement through his agent Rich Paul hinting at a possible search for greener pastures. However, James also took his player option with the Lakers this summer, meaning he will be back at least for the upcoming 2025-26 season. Still, Los Angeles has made it abundantly clear that Doncic, not James, is the main player they're looking to appease moving forward. After Anthony Davis had clamored for the team to trade for a center for years, the Lakers did so almost immediately after Doncic's arrival (although the trade for Mark Williams did end up being rescinded). In any case, the Lakers' schedule is set to be announced later this month. Related: Kevin Love's obstacle to desired Lakers or Clippers move Related: Jordan Luka 4 'White Cement' releasing August 2025
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Carmelo Anthony reflects on 2011 Lakers trade that nearly happened
The post Carmelo Anthony reflects on 2011 Lakers trade that nearly happened appeared first on ClutchPoints. Carmelo Anthony revealed he was nearly traded to the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2010-11 NBA season, a move that would have paired him with Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol fresh off the Lakers' 2010 championship run. The recently inducted 2025 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer shared the story during a conversation with Dwyane Wade on an iHeart Radio podcast. Anthony, then a member of the Denver Nuggets, recalled ongoing trade discussions and his frustration with the uncertainty surrounding his future. 'I'm not saying I want to get out of here, but y'all gotta show me y'all cards,' Anthony said. 'The deal was done with the Lakers. Me and Nene for Lamar Odom and [Andrew] Bynum. That deal was done. I never thought about New York.' Wade reacted in disbelief. 'The Lakers though?' Wade asked. Anthony explained that when the trade was turned down, the Nuggets shifted their approach. 'When they turned that deal down… now it's like y'all don't want me in the West,' Anthony said. 'You're gonna send me to the East – get me to New York. The deal was never with New York, the deal was with [the] New Jersey Nets.' Anthony revealed then-Nuggets coach George Karl had an interest in acquiring Derrick Favors from the Utah Jazz, viewing him as a future cornerstone at power forward. 'He wanted him to be the next Nene,' Anthony added. Carmelo Anthony's near 2011 Lakers trade ultimately sent him to Knicks in blockbuster deal Ultimately, Anthony was traded to the New York Knicks in February 2011 in exchange for Wilson Chandler, Raymond Felton, Danilo Gallinari, Timofey Mozgov and a 2014 first-round pick. The Knicks also acquired Chauncey Billups, Shelden Williams, Anthony Carter and Renaldo Balkman in the deal. A potential Lakers core of Anthony, Bryant, and Gasol never materialized, but Anthony eventually played for Los Angeles in the 2021-22 season, his final year in the NBA. In 69 games, he averaged 13.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.0 assist while shooting 44.1% from the field and 37.5% from three-point range. Anthony's Hall of Fame enshrinement is scheduled for September 6 in Springfield, Massachusetts. He has chosen Wade and Allen Iverson as his presenters, a nod to two close friends and influential figures in his career. Anthony, a 10-time All-Star and one of the most prolific scorers in NBA history, will also appear as the cover athlete for the NBA 2K26 Superstar Edition, releasing September 5. His reflection on the near-trade adds another 'what if' to NBA history, particularly for a Lakers franchise that went on to reach the 2012 Western Conference semifinals but did not return to the NBA Finals until 2020. For Anthony, the path ultimately led to Madison Square Garden rather than Staples Center, but the possibility of joining the Lakers in his prime remains one of the league's most intriguing missed opportunities. Related: Luka Doncic's Luka Magic already in full effect Related: 3 way-too-early Los Angeles Lakers trade candidates in 2025-26 season
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Pau Gasol congratulates Luka Doncic on Lakers contract extension
Los Angeles Lakers mystique is alive and kicking, as 26-year-old superstar Luka Doncic agreed to a three-year contract extension on Saturday. He will be under contract with the Lakers for at least the next three years, and he has now set himself up to receive a gargantuan payday in 2028 when he will be eligible for a supermax extension. Doncic immediately made an announcement on his personal X (formerly Twitter) account that he's giving back a bit of his newfound wealth to help others. He's going to give out $5 million to help 77 young athletes achieve their dreams, and he has also become an ambassador for the Take Back Sports initiative, which encourages kids to play sports. Former Lakers star big man and two-time NBA champion Pau Gasol congratulated Doncic on not only his extension but also his philanthropy. Gasol wasn't just a Hall of Fame player for the Lakers — he's also one of the most compassionate people who has ever played in the NBA. He has been involved in humanitarian efforts such as UNICEF and the "Hoops for St. Jude" charity program, and he and his brother Marc started the Gasol Foundation to promote healthy lifestyles and fight childhood obesity. Months ago, just after coming to the Lakers in that huge February trade, Doncic donated $500,000 to help with the recovery efforts following the devastating Palisades and Eaton fires that ravaged the Southland this past winter. This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Pau Gasol congratulates Luka Doncic on Lakers contract extension
Time of India
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo fuels Los Angeles Lakers trade buzz after sitting with Pau Gasol at WNBA All-Star
Bam Adebayo might or might not join the L.A. Lakers (Image via Getty Images) A picture of Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo sitting next to Pau Gasol at the WNBA All-Star Game sparked speculation about a possible trade as the NBA offseason heats up. Together with the Los Angeles Lakers icon, the NBA player attended Saturday night's WNBA All-Star Game. Now, after the picture went viral, fans couldn't resist igniting the trade rumors, even though the encounter might have been a harmless coincidence. Speculation grows around Bam Adebayo as Los Angeles Lakers trade rumors gain steam after WNBA All-Star Game Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo has been the subject of several trade rumors this offseason. Additionally, he has also been linked with the Los Angeles Lakers after he was seen at the WNBA All-Star Game with Pau Gasol. The picture was shared on X and has triggered a frenzy of trade rumors. Bam Adebayo's closeness with former L.A. Lakers player has led many to wonder if there is more to the meeting than meets the eye. The timing is especially interesting because the Miami Heat player has been connected to trade negotiations with the L.A. Lakers. The rumor is further supported by the picture of Bam Adebayo wearing yellow trousers. Even if there aren't any obvious links between the two sides, it didn't stop the fans from speculating. This offseason, the NBA icon has received a considerable amount of interest from trade rumors, especially when it comes to the Purple and Gold. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Premium 3 & 4 BHK ( 1079 - 1829 ) from ₹72.03 Lacs* at Jessore Road Srijan Realty Learn More Undo As the Miami Heat are up for a pivotal summer, Bam Adebayo's future is a big worry. As the draft and free agency approach, this appearance has intensified speculation about a possible Heat-Lakers trade. Bam Adebayo in action for the Miami Heat (Image via Getty Images) Even though some Miami Heat supporters are anxious about a possible move involving Bam Adebayo, there is a possibility that nothing is actually going to happen. Pau Gasol has always been a supporter of women's basketball and the WNBA . On the other hand, A'ja Wilson, Bam Adebayo's partner, was starting for Team Clark in the All-Star Game. It is much more likely that they were just sitting together, given the overlap of events. However, one thing is certain: regardless of whether it's a random incident or a signal of some future trade event, the NBA offseason is anything but dull. Also read: Kevin Love reacts to three-team trade involving Miami Heat, Utah Jazz, and LA Clippers Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Pau Gasol on how difficult it was to tell Kobe Bryant he would leave the Lakers: "He was very supportive and he understood"
Pau Gasol on how difficult it was to tell Kobe Bryant he would leave the Lakers: "He was very supportive and he understood" originally appeared on Basketball Network. Pau Gasol could never have imagined that his trade to the Los Angeles Lakers would earn him a brother for life. But that's the relationship he built with Kobe Bryant after he joined the team in 2008. Advertisement Gasol and Bryant clicked immediately, with skill sets complementing each other perfectly. They developed mutual trust and respect, which translated into success on the court — the duo went to three straight Finals between 2008 and 2010, winning two of them. Winning back-to-back Finals MVPs, Bryant silenced all his critics, who believed he could never win without Shaquille O'Neal. However, he never forgot to credit Gasol for his contributions to the 2009 and 2010 championship runs. So, when Gasol decided to sign with the Chicago Bulls in 2014, he knew breaking the news to Bryant wasn't going to be easy. "It was difficult. We have a close friendship. We've been through a lot together, and I'm sure I will miss him. But we talked to each other, and our relationship goes beyond basketball, and we'll always have a friendship," said Gasol, who spent almost seven seasons on the Lakers. Advertisement "It was difficult to talk to him, but he was very supportive and he understood. He just said I had to do what was best for me and what felt right for me, and he was going to support me no matter what. That's what friends and brothers do, and that's what we are," he added. Bringing out Bryant's soft side Bryant was aloof. He always minded his own business, even when interacting with his teammates away from the court. But the Spaniard was an exception. Bryant's drive and obsession with winning often made him overlook the perspective of others, which is a primary reason why he earned the tag of a difficult teammate during his career. However, his friendship with Gasol helped him develop this facet of his personality. Advertisement The seven-footer once revealed how he brought out Bryant's soft side. "He's a big brother I never had. He had a very kind and loving side. I think that's something I influence in a way. I said it's okay to be normal, to be vulnerable or soft at times. He was trying to be the best father in the world. He embraced his daughters. That kindness, that softness, that love from a dad to a daughter," stated Gasol. Related: Rick Fox explains why Kobe never hung out with other teammates: "He was on a course and any minute or day wasted doing something else was going to slow him down getting to that point" A special bond with Kobe's family Gasol spent a lot of time with the Bryant family, so much so that he was named Godfather to Kobe and Vanessa's eldest daughter, Natalia. Mrs. Bryant, meanwhile, was the godmother to Gasol's first child, Elisabet Gianna. Advertisement After the tragic passing of Kobe and Gianna, Pau made sure to stand by Vanessa and her daughters. The two families continue to spend quality time together, whether it's celebrating birthdays or taking trips together. Gasol is undoubtedly the type of friend everyone wants in their lives. His commitment and care towards the Bryant family speak volumes about him as an individual. The same was the case when he was teammates with the Lakers legend. Unfortunately, their iconic run had to come to an end. Related: Kobe Bryant said Lakers fans didn't appreciate Pau Gasol: "For a guy that has two championships to be treated that way, you don't do that" This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jul 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
