The LA Lakers are in a dilemma. They just gave their franchise superstar a two-year extension that hurts their chances of forming a championship caliber team. No one is more aware of this than Pau Gasol.

Pau Gasol's contract is expiring at the end of the season. Most observer say that this spells cap relief for the Lakers. But we must not forget, it also means freedom for the Spaniard.

It is not Gasol's fault though. Pau has shown unflinching loyalty to the team even though they have actually traded him (but the trade was rescinded by the league) and he has always been involved in trade rumors. Granted, the rumors did not start from the team, but they have not given a very convincing effort to end those rumors.

Now Gasol, who won two championships with the Lakers, wants to win one before he retires. That's something Kobe Bryant once said, but no one believes anymore. After Bryant's signing, the Lakers, even in the best cast scenario, cannot keep Pau Gasol AND hire a max player at the same time. It can only be one or the other and it seems both options will not make the Lakers a contender. Except if Pau agrees to take a huge pay cut. The big question is, why would he do that, if the Lakers franchise player refused to do it?

Now Pau can call the shots. In an interview with nba.com, he shares his thoughts as he weighs it all in:   "There's different factors you have to take into account. The financial factor. That I've been with this franchise, for what I've been through, the loyalty I have to them. And also the chances of winning a championship. Those three are the most. What percentage I will give or prioritize, we'll see when the opportunities come along. But 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."

Pau Gasol is a huge expiring contract and many teams that are looking for expiring contract would accept him, but they will ask the Lakers to commit to a bad contract. The most plausible destination for Pau-his brother's team, and his original team in the NBA: The Memphis Grizzlies.

The key here, though, is trading Zach Randolph. The Grizzlies have to convince the Lakers to spend their cap space on Randolph until next year. Assuming they do that, Pau can sign for a lower amount (no one will offer him his present salary) and the Grizzlies can still sign a mid level small forward. How about Luol Deng?

The Grizzlies would start the Gasol brothers, Deng, Tony Allen (currently the best defensive guard in the league) and rising star Mike Conley. The team would have enough defense to cover Pau's deficiencies on that end. They would definitely be a contender.

Would the Lakers agree to that? Will that be his reward for his loyalty to the organization? We'll find out in February (trade deadline).