Gasol expresses relief after extension deal with Lakers (Feature)

By Paul Levine Dec 26, 2009, 8:12 GMT

Los Angeles - After keeping quiet for the last week, Spanish native and LA Lakers star Pau Gasol can finally talk freely about his worst-kept secret.

Gasol signed a three-year extension reportedly worth 57 million dollars this week to remain with the Lakers through the 2013-14 season.

'It's been one of the worst secrets kept for the last week,' the Lakers power forward told reporters late Wednesday to announce his big pay day. 'It's been hard to contain my happiness and excitement about this, but I was forced to do so because that's the way I felt.

'Until this day came, I didn't want to release all this excitement, so it's a beautiful thing. I'm just thrilled that I will be able to spend my next five years with this great organization, my teammates and hopefully many championships to come in this great city.'

Gasol is making 16.5 million dollars this season, and will earn 17.8 million dollars in 2010-11, which would have been the final year of his current contract.

Rather than test the free agent market, the 29-year-old, seven- footer decided to remain with the Lakers.

Although no terms of the extension were released, Gasol will reportedly make 18.7 million dollars in 2011-12, 19 million in 2012- 13 and 19.3 million dollars in the 2013-14 season.

'It gives me tremendous peace of mind, safety and confidence on just dedicating myself to play and continue to make the team better,' Gasol said. 'And it probably gives me economic and financial safety for the rest of my life.'

Since acquiring Gasol from Memphis on February 1, 2008, the defending NBA Champions have a remarkable 101-24 regular-season record, with two Western Conference titles and a pair of trips to the league finals.

'Coming to terms on an extension for Pau is another step for the organization in its goal of trying to keep the core of this team together for the foreseeable future,' Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak said of the All-Star big man.

'Over the past year and a half, Pau has quickly developed into one of the best all-around players in the NBA. The impact he has had on and off the court for the Lakers is significant, and we look forward to watching Pau continue as one of the best players in the league for years to come.'

Since coming back from a pre-season hamstring injury, Gasol is averaging 17 points and 12.6 rebounds in 18 games, in which the Lakers have won 16.