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**talula** · 01-23-2007, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Grizzlies center Pau Gasol said he’s prepared to finish his career in Memphis.

Presumably, the 7-foot Spaniard wouldn’t oppose a trade.

Either way, he wants to win.

Gasol, speaking about the possibility of being traded for the first time since his request became public, admitted he’s frustrated but insisted that he has not quit on the Grizzlies.

"I don’t know how long this thing is going to last," Gasol said. "I love being in Memphis. I’m still here and I’m still competing. For people to second guess my professionalism and my willingness to work is a real shame. I’ve been here the longest. I’m loyal to my team. I’m a loyal person. But from what I hear, I’m getting (lambasted). It’s unfair.

"Everyone has a right to their opinion, right or wrong. But I’m going to continue to be a professional. I’m a competitor and I like to win. It’s been a hard year. It’s frustrating but I guess I’m the easy target. Why not blame your franchise player who hasn’t said a word about anything? But then some article comes out and now everything changes."

The New York Post reported last Sunday that Gasol wanted out of Memphis and that team president Jerry West initiated trade discussions with the Chicago Bulls. West acknowledged talking with the Bulls.

"I’m not the one talking about it, and I’m not going to," Gasol said. "It’s silly. It’s a lose-lose situation for everybody. I’m going to continue to play hard and defend the Grizzlies shirt until the last of my days. I’m very proud to be a part of this team, and I have been all of my career.

"I’m thankful for all of the opportunities this team and the City of Memphis have given me. But if a few writers and journalists want to bad mouth me and criticize me now because it’s so easy when things are going bad, then that’s OK. I’m getting criticized for wanting to win, and it all looks bad. ? Hopefully, these kind of articles will stop and we’ll focus on what we can do to regroup and win basketball games."