Pau Gasol: Finishing career with Lakers or in Spain is 'attractive'

Pau Gasol would relish the chance to conclude his professional career with the Los Angeles Lakers or in his hometown of Barcelona.

"My intention is to play another season if the foot is OK, either in the NBA or in Europe," Gasol told Spanish media on Tuesday, according to Tales Azzoni of The Associated Press. "A final season with the Lakers is attractive, finishing at Barca is attractive, but you have to see the real possibilities and see what situation would be best for the circumstances of the moment."

The 39-year-old said he wants to play one more season in hopes of earning a spot on Spain's roster at the upcoming Summer Olympics, which were postponed earlier this year to July 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

However, the six-time All-Star hasn't played in a game since March 10, 2019 - a brief three-game stint with the Milwaukee Bucks that ended prematurely due to surgery to repair a stress fracture in his left foot. He signed with the Portland Trail Blazers last summer but never played for them this year, as he was unable to successfully rehab the injury.

Gasol said he'll likely make a decision regarding next season in September or October, but he's optimistic about his recovery.

"I'm feeling good. I've had more time to recover," he said. "When I can start running and jumping I will have a lot more information to know for sure if the foot and the bone are consolidated for me to be playing professional basketball again."

Gasol played six-and-a-half seasons with the Lakers from 2008 to 2014. He won back-to-back titles with the franchise in 2009 and 2010.