LA Lakers Rumors 2014: Pau Gasol To Consider Leaving Lakers Next Summer, Won't Rule Out Return To Memphis Grizzlies

Pau Gasol is set to become a free agent next summer barring any surprise contract extension offer from the Los Angeles Lakers, which just recently signed Kobe Bryant to a lucrative two-year contract extension.

Gasol wants to focus on the Lakers campaign this season, but the superstar center hinted that leaving the Lakers would be an option after the current NBA season.

In an interview with NBA.com, the 33-year-old veteran said that he will consider different factors in his free agency decision next summer, which includes the financial aspect of the deal and the chance to win another title, but did not give a clear answer whether or not he believes that the Lakers will give it to him next season.

"There's different factors you have to take into account. The financial factor. That I've been with this franchise, for what I've been through, the loyalty I have to them. And also the chances of winning a championship. Those three are the most. What percentage I will give or prioritize, we'll see when the opportunities come along," Gasol said.

The Lakers could offer a substantial deal to Gasol next summer, but there are questions about the future of the Lakers with experts saying that they will not be a title contender in the next few seasons.

When asked about those projections, Gasol reiterated the factors that he is planning to consider, hinting that he could get what he is looking for in another place.

"If there are possibilities of being in a place that has those type of chances, it's something I will think about," Gasol said. "But, again, I'm not in that position yet. I'm here. We're just kind of guessing here. We'll see. We'll cross the bridge when I get there. No rush."

Gasol, who spent the first six-and-a-half seasons of his career with the Memphis Grizzlies before getting traded to the Lakers midway through the 2007-08 season, will also not rule out a return to his former team.

Although it looks like a long shot, a return to Memphis could be one of Gasol's top options, considering the possibility of playing alongside his younger brother, Marc.

"It's appealing," Gasol said when asked about the possibility of returning to Memphis. "One of the best centers in the NBA, one of the best interior players, is my brother. There's a lot of attractive factors there. But who knows if that's even a possibility or if that will ever happen."