<div><p>Pau Gasol, the 29-year-old Spanish forward who helped the Los Angeles Lakers win last season's NBA title, has signed a three-year contract extension to remain with the defending champions.</p><p>The deal, which could be worth as much as 64.7 million dollars depending on 2011 NBA salary cap terms, will keep Gasol on the Lakers through the 2013-2014 season.</p><p>Gasol joined the Lakers in a deal with Memphis in February of last year and together with superstar guard Kobe Bryant has made the Lakers into a title contender.</p><p>The Lakers have the NBA's best record so far this season at 23-4 and Gasol said Bryant is expected to finalize a contract extension soon as well to secure the team's star playmaker and big man for years to come.</p><p>Gasol, who made the Western Conference All-Star squad last season, is averaging 17.0 points, 12.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.4 blocked shots a game. Last season, Gasol averaged 18.9 points and 9.6 rebounds a contest.</p><p>The Spaniard makes 16.5 million dollars this season and will make 17.8 million dollars next season.</p><img src="http://admatch-syndication.mochila.com/images/ad.gif?aid=65935929&bid=informcom" /></div><div id="copyright"><div>

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