Ricky Rubio Wants Pau Gasol in Minnesota if the Lakers Don’t Want Him

Timberwolves point guard Ricky Rubio has gone to bat for his fellow countryman Pau Gasol before, criticizing the Los Angeles Lakers for how they’re misusing the talented big man. Rubio jokingly says that he and the T-Wolves would love to acquire Gasol if things don’t work out in LA. Per the Star Tribune: “Rubio is good friends with Lakers forward Pau Gasol, who is going through a difficult season with the Los Angeles Lakers – the Wolves’ opponent Friday at Target Center. […] Today Rubio was asked if Gasol was being treated fairly. ‘I don’t’ think so,’ Rubio said. ‘He proved in the league that he is one of the best. He can pass, he can shoot, he can rebound. He can do a lot of things. I think if you use him in the right way, he is a top player in this league. If they don’t want him, we are more than welcome to get him.’ At this Rubio laughed. But it’s no secret that Gasol’s name has been linked to trade rumors all season. ‘He’s been with the Lakers (five-plus) seasons,’ Rubio said. ‘And he’s been a starter since day one. This year – it seems like It’s been the last two years – it seems they don’t want him. But actually they need him, because he’s a great player. He can do a lot of things. He’s had issues with his knees, and it’s been a lot of years without resting for him. But he’s a veteran, he knows how to play. He’s a great player.'”