The Los Angeles Lakers have stiff competition for free agent Pau Gasol. Oklahoma City Thunder's efforts, led by stars Kevin Durant Russell Westbrook, reportedly have them as the "leading contender" to sign Gasol. The Chicago Bulls and the San Antonio Spurs also are supposedly in the race for the veteran 7-footer.
While the Lakers reportedly are focused on free agents Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James, Gasol's list of suitors quietly continues to grow. ESPN reported Oklahoma City now is the team with the most likely chance of signing Gasol in free agency.
Per ESPN's Marc Stein and Ramona Shelburne:
"The Oklahoma City Thunder, with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook acting as lead recruiters, have unexpectedly emerged as a leading contender for the services of Los Angeles Lakers free-agent center Pau Gasol, according to sources close to the process.
"Sources told ESPN.com that Durant and Westbrook made a face-to-face pitch Wednesday to Gasol in Los Angeles to join them in Oklahoma City despite the financial limitations the Thunder would face in signing him."
One source told ESPN Gasol is "opening up to the possibility" of playing in Oklahoma City.
Signing Gasol, who has said money isn't a factor in this stage of his career, would entail him taking a minimal salary. Oklahoma City has around $5 million to spend before crossing the luxury-tax line, and a sign-and-trade with the Lakers, albeit unlikely, is a possibility.
Stein named Chicago and San Antonio as two other suitors for Gasol; he also reported the New York Knicks and the Miami Heat pitched Gasol earlier this week on the phone.
Stein did qualify his Chicago report, however, by stating Chicago considers Gasol a backup option if they are unable to sign Anthony, the team's purported No. 1 target.
The Dallas Mavericks, with their huge chunk of salary cap space, could also turn their attention to Gasol if Anthony or James signs elsewhere.
Gasol has said in the past he would like to re-sign with Los Angeles, if the opportunity presents itself.
