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Sike. Super classy and thoughtful blog from MVPau.
http://www.paugasol.com/blog
Last Tuesday I talked to the press at the Toyota Center. Nothing really surprising in that. Its standard protocol when the season comes to an end. Players always comment on the past year. It may not have been particularly significant event. But then again, it may be. Ive finished my contract and Ill be a free agent in the next few days and its not clear whether Ill sign for the Lakers again.
It may be that the press conference was my last official act with the franchise. Ive been in similar situations for the last two years, with one foot inside and the other outside. Im not quite sure where I am at the moment. The good thing is that Im now the master of my own destiny. Its me that makes the choices, and thats a good situation to be in.
Re-signing for the Lakers is a possibility, but Im not sure whether to say its a remote one. If theres anything or anyone who could make me stay its Kobe Bryant. Id stay for him, but thered have to be significant changes. Ive said it many times: I want to be in a team that has a solid chance to win another tournament and where I can be an important factor in the game.
Money is not important
Money isnt important to me. I have other priorities. A contract lasting several seasons, the make-up of the team that signs me: Ill need to think long and hard. I wont just go to the franchise that offers me the biggest salary, I know that.
I would have liked to finish the season on the court, but my vertigo problems made that impossible. I just have to accept it. Im feeling much better, but not enough to play basketball just yet. I feel like my vacation will help me to make a full recovery and to get ready for the World Cup in Spain. If Orenga calls me Ill be there. Its a tournament were all looking forward to. I wouldnt miss it for anything.
It hasnt been the best season for the Lakers, for many reasons. Our poor health was the main enemy. In all, we missed 319 games due to injuries. Theres never been anything like it, since records began in 1980. None of us escaped. Kobe, Steve Nash were out. In the end, I managed to play 60 games, but almost all our players were sidelined at some point in the season.
I cant remember anything like it.
Its been very difficult for the coaches too. Theyve had to be really patient to handle all these injuries. And they deserve credit for that. But it has obviously damaged the team and we cant hide it. Were all responsible for it. Like Kobe said, its been a shit season.
Ive never concealed the fact that DAntonis style doesnt suit my game. Everybody knows this. I dont know if my decision will be swayed by whether Mike stays or leaves. Obviously, the coach is a very important factor for any team. ------------------------------
17x NBA Champions
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