Pau Gasol: Spain ‘best option’ if NBA games canceled

Pau Gasol. AFP photo

MADRID—Los Angeles Lakers star Pau Gasol said he would play for hometown club Barcelona if the NBA lockout continues.

Gasol practiced for the first time with Barcelona on Thursday and said playing in Spain would be the “best option” if he had to look for another league.

He said it would be a “catastrophe” if the NBA lockout leads to the season being canceled.

Younger brother Marc Gasol of the Memphis Grizzlies started practicing with Barcelona on Tuesday, while Pau waited a few more days because of an ankle injury.

The brothers were part of the Spain team that won the European Championship last month.

Dallas Mavericks forward Rudy Fernandez signed a contract last month with Real Madrid to play until the end of the lockout.