Pau Gasol Visits Lakers Practice as Team Prepares for NBA Playoffs

San Francisco, CA – Pau Gasol returned to the Los Angeles Lakers‘ practice on March 27, 2025, during a rare training session as the team prepares for the upcoming NBA playoffs. Gasol, a Hall of Famer and former Lakers center, visited amidst a short break between home games.

Head coach JJ Redick utilized the time off to conduct a vital practice, which is often uncommon at this stage of the season. Gasol was seen engaging with players and management, including general manager Rob Pelinka, Luka Doncic, and LeBron James. The Lakers shared this moment on social media, stating, “Always great to have [Gasol] in the building.”

Gasol, who played a critical role in the Lakers’ success from 2008 to 2010, winning two NBA championships during that time, expressed his continued connection to the franchise. Redick commented on the significance of Gasol’s presence: “Happy Pau is here. It’s very exciting stuff. He was great. Pau is one of my favorites—everything he does is the right way.”

Redick, who lost to Gasol’s Lakers in the 2009 Finals during his playing days, acknowledged the weight of the legacy at the franchise: “When you took this job, you’re immediately struck by the magnitude of what this franchise is. I come in here every day and see the championship banners and the retired jerseys. It’s a huge honor.”

As the Lakers inch closer to the playoffs, there is hope to replicate the success of the late 2000s teams. With stars like James and Doncic on the roster, Redick believes they have a shot. Following Gasol’s visit, Redick will put in the necessary work to prepare the team for their postseason run.

Among the current roster, Dorian Finney-Smith has emerged as a respected teammate, praised for his work ethic and willingness to contribute wherever needed. As the season winds down, players will cast their votes for the league’s end-of-season awards, including the Most Improved Player award—an accolade Redick has openly criticized.

Redick reflected, “I hate that award. They fail to define it. It’s become about high draft picks who are now All-Stars. I think that’s taken the spirit out of it.” While he refrained from commenting on Austin Reaves’ candidacy, this type of discussion reflects the dynamic atmosphere within the team.

The Lakers currently sit in third place in the Western Conference with a record of 46 wins and 29 losses, gearing up for their next match against the Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena.