I guess there is no better way to erase a dismal playoff performance from one’s memory than playing with your fellow countrymen in the European Championships.
Pau Gasol announced he is interested in playing for Spain in this summer’s European championships in Lithuania. The tournament will begin on August 31st and last until September 18th, right before the Lakers are set to begin training camp, assuming a new CBA is decided on.
Gasol says that “if the coach feels he can count on me then I want to help the team win another European” title.
I think this will be excellent for Gasol to clear his mind after the Lakers’ ugly exit from the playoffs. Also, Gasol won’t have to worry about the foreign media or opposing players in the tournament slapping that elusive, often absurd “soft” label on him.
Last summer, Gasol did not compete in Europe, after the Lakers captured their second consecutive championship. Despite the rest, Gasol never found the rhythm Lakers fans are used to in 2010-11. Who knows, maybe playing in the off-season keeps his mind more focused on basketball.
Check out the full story at ESPNLosAngeles.com
Joshua Sexton is a lifelong basketball fanatic, who watches as many games as possible. In addition, He has played and coached the game at the high school level. He has recently started writing about the game of basketball.
