They're Playing Basketball! (and signing contracts)

Report: Gasol Ready To Sign 3-Year Extension With Lakers
By Matt Moore/NBA Fanhouse

Hope you weren't thinking this new dominant Lakers' core was dissipitating any time soon, because the news out of LA tonight is that you can count on this unit wheeling and dealing for the forseeable future.

The LA Times is reporting that the Lakers and All-Star Forward-Center Pau Gasol have reached an agreement on a 3-year contract extension. The amount has not been confirmed yet, but internet rumors have hit as high as $64 million, meaning that the Lakers payroll in 2012 will be high enough to build a Deathstar with it. Which is fitting, since this Lakers' offense essentially is the basketball equivalent of a planet-sized weapon.

The extension comes right as LA prepares to lock up Kobe Bryant for what will likely be his final extension, with the max contract already in place and the remaining details all that's left to iron out. The Lakers will not be leaving their future uncertain unlike some teams.

Gasol has erupted since returning from a hamstring injury that sidelined him for the start of the season. He leads the league in rebounding rate and has pushed the already incredible Lakers offense into a whole new gear.

The Lakers don't necessarily have to concern themselves much with extensions like other teams in the league. After all, what player wants to leave LA? Titles, fame, great weather, a winning tradition, and status. It's a dream gig. Still, locking up their two most important components means that the Lakers can focus on continuing to surround them with more talent.

It's a good time to be a Lakers fan.

It sure is. I don't want to gloat here but when all of America said the Lakers were stupid for getting rid of Shaq and that Kobe would never win a title without him they didn't see the chess game beginning. The line of expendable players that shuffled in and out of L.A. the three following years weren't just untalented assbags, they were trade bait and expiring contracts. Mix in the wise draft choice of Andrew Bynum and the steal of Gasol and L.A. is primed to dominate the West for 4-5 more years. Especially with Gasol playing at his prime. Of course it doesn't hurt when the Black Mamba is knocking down shots like these.



P.S. - Did the announcer yell "Miss It!" right before Kobe released. Try to be professional buddy. You're not DeNunzio on the 18th green with Danny Noonan putting for the Caddy Championship.