Lakers News Update: Pau Gasol Still Leaving Despite Mike D’Antoni’s Resignation? Is He Yearning For A Team With High Chances Of Winning NBA Championship?

The latest Lakers news update hints that Pau Gasol may not stay even after Mike D'Antoni's resignation. The reason is that Gasol reportedly wants to join a team that can compete for the NBA championship, which might be a tough stretch for the rebuilding franchise.

Pau Gasol, who will be a free agent on July 1, has been at odds with the former Suns and Knicks coach over his "small ball" philosophy. Earlier this year, Lakers news updates were abuzz with the statement made by the Spaniard that his return will hinge upon Mike D'Antoni's resignation and to a certain extent, Kobe Bryant.

Lately, however, he's changing his tune as he's interviewed by Marca.com. "Mike leaving was not the be-all and end-all, but it is another factor," he said.

"I will give priority to a team that can win games and, let's hope, challenge for the title," Lakers' Pau Gasol explained, adding that there were several interested parties so he will listen to their offers and select the best option for himself.

Recent Lakers news updates have not really provided a direction for the franchise moving forward. With Kobe Bryant still rehabbing, the Mike D'Antoni resignation, and only Steve Nash has a guaranteed multiple-year contract, the team will rely on a high draft pick as well as free agent signings to come back on top.

With Kobe Bryant injured as well as half of the team at one point, the Lakers closed its 2013-2014 season with 27-55 record, the worst for the franchise.

But the soft-spoken Spaniard said that Kobe Bryant can probably influence him into staying because "we have a great mutual respect and a great friendship."

It's the same sentiment that Lakers' Pau Gasol told Lakers Nation's Serena Winters on Kobe Bryant back in April when the skilled center said: "I know that he is going to be one of the main reasons why I would come back to the team."