Los Angeles Lakers forward Pau Gasol reportedly wants to remain a Laker but not if coach Mike D'Antoni returns. Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak and the front office, meanwhile, reportedly don't want to fire D'Antoni and are hoping for a "peaceful, mutual parting."
Kupchak acknowledged on Sunday the team has "great interest" in re-signing Gasol, who becomes a free agent after the season. While the 7-footer has said he wants to remain in Los Angeles, it's reportedly contingent on the Lakers hiring a new coach for next season.
"Gasol and Mike D'Antoni have not been on the same page the last two seasons, which is why many think Gasol will leave if the head coach comes back in 2014-14," ESPN's Nick Borges wrote on Monday.
Gasol has publically sparred with D'Antoni before, and he hasn't exactly flourished in the coach's offensive system. If a new deal with the Lakers isn't reached, Gasol mentioned joining his brother in Memphis as another option.
"I'd love to play with Kobe Bryant more, because he's a friend, he's a winner and he's a guy that I've been through a lot and won championships with," Gasol told ESPN. "I would love to play with my brother, but you can't have everything. Just try to think where is the best position for me to succeed collectively and individually."
When it comes to D'Antoni, Bryant also reportedly wants him fired. Kupchak, however, reportedly hopes the team doesn't have to do that.
"One league source said there is sentiment within the Lakers' executive offices for a 'peaceful, mutual parting' with D'Antoni, who has one season left on his contract at $4 million," Mitch Lawrence of the New York Daily News wrote on Saturday. "... Although he's supported D'Antoni during what has been a disastrous season, Kupchak is said to be on board with the idea that the Lakers can't keep playing the same way under the coach, with no regard for defense and an offense that doesn't properly utilize Gasol."
Gasol becomes a free agent on July 1.
