Pau Gasol Says Return to Memphis Grizzlies After This Season Is 'Appealing'

Veteran Los Angeles Lakers big man Pau Gasol—who is set to become a free agent in 2014—is intrigued by the possibility of returning to the Memphis Grizzlies and playing beside his brother Marc Gasol.

According to an article by Scott Howard-Cooper of NBA.com, Gasol would not be opposed to going back to where it all started.

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

Gasol also said that he feels a certain amount of loyalty toward the Lakers organization—with which he won back-to-back NBA championships in 2009 and 2010.

However, Gasol added, “I would like to first be in a position to win a championship again and enjoy the last few years of my career and be in a good position to do so.”

The only Lakers players under contract for the 2014-15 season are Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash, Robert Sacre and Nick Young (if he picks up his player option). With so much uncertainty facing next year’s roster, the Lakers can’t promise title contention. That may weigh on Gasol’s final decision if the Lakers want to bring him back.

Pau played with his brother, Marc, on Spain’s Olympic basketball team in 2008 (Beijing) and 2012 (London). Spain took home silver medals each time.

The biggest roadblock between a Gasol reunion in Memphis is power forward Zach Randolph. The two-time All-Star has a player option for the 2014-15 season, but he’ll become a free agent if he declines to pick it up.

The idea of seeing both Gasol brothers suit up for the same team is intriguing, but Bryant may vie for his friend to stay in L.A.

As of this moment, however, the Grizzlies appear closer to competing for a championship even though they’ve had a rocky start to the 2013-14 campaign.