Lakers welcome back Pau Gasol

One week after losing Amare Stoudemire to free agency, the Lakers have signed a familiar face.  That face is none other than Pau Gasol.. Gasol signed a 2 year contract worth roughly $26.7 million, but half of that is not guaranteed in the form of a team option in the second year of the deal.

The Lakers were looking to find a forward with veteran championship experience and it was rumored that they were deep in talks with Dirk Nowitzki until the asking price frankly became unrealistic. Lakers General Manager "AK" was quoted with the following during the press conference announcing the signing:

On Dirk Nowitzki: Yeah... We did feel around on the Dirk front, and for a while we thought it was all but a done deal.  We got a call, they wanted more money and more guaranteed years and we frankly, as you guys know... We play smart.  We weren't going to do that.  It's not the Laker way. We're beyond happy to bring back Pau, Russell (Westbrook) is familiar with him, he fits right in.

On what's next: Well we've got to get a bit deeper, we've got some space to work with (roughly $6 million) so that is our goal.  We'd like to be at least 9 deep this year while maintaining cap flexibility. We'll have to be creative that is for sure. We've got a heck of a starting lineup that is led by a top 10 player in Russell Westbrook. We will act accordingly and try to win the darned thing.

On Gasol's contract: We fully expect him to have a great year, and if he stays healthy, we will honor the second year sans unforeseen circumstances.  We value credibility and continuity. We don't want a revolving door at any position.  Pau brings stability among his wonderful basketball talents.

The Lakers appear poised to take multiple steps forward this season following a very dismal season that saw them win 22 games and net a top 10 pick.

Nice to see Gasol back in purple and gold where he won his first rings.

Something about him fits there.