Pau Gasol sees Spain as 'best option' if NBA lockout persists

Lakers forward Pau Gasol told reporters in Spain that playing in his native country would be his "best option" should the NBA lockout persist.

It remains to be seen what exactly that would entail. Gasol had declined looking into any overseas ventures because he wanted to focus on winning the FIBA European Championships. He then joined FC Barcelona for practice sessions, though Gasol hasn't stepped on the game court yet because he's treating an ankle injury he suffered during the FIBA tournament.

Meanwhile, NBA Commissioner David Stern indicated that he'd cancel the first two weeks of the regular season if the league and players union can't reach a deal by Monday, though it would be a stretch to think that this would immediately lead to a canceled season, something Gasol said would be a "catastrophe." Either way, Gasol plans to stay in Spain until the lockout ends, so playing over there would only seem natural. The uncertainty for now is which team would appeal to him financially and competitively.

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-- Mark Medina

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