INQUIRER Sports

LOS ANGELES ? Pau Gasol, the 29-year-old Spanish forward who helped the Los Angeles Lakers win last season's NBA title, has signed a three-year contract extension to remain with the defending champions.

The deal, which could be worth as much as $64.7 million depending on 2011 NBA salary cap terms, will keep Gasol on the Lakers through the 2013-2014 season.

Gasol joined the Lakers in a deal with Memphis in February of last year and together with superstar guard Kobe Bryant has made the Lakers into a title contender.

The Lakers have the NBA's best record so far this season at 23-4 and Gasol said Bryant is expected to finalize a contract extension soon as well to secure the team's star playmaker and big man for years to come.

Gasol, who made the Western Conference All-Star squad last season, is averaging 17.0 points, 12.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.4 blocked shots a game. Last season, Gasol averaged 18.9 points and 9.6 rebounds a contest.

The Spaniard makes $16.5 million this season and will make $17.8 million next season.