Lakers’ Marc Gasol makes Spain’s 12-man roster for Tokyo Olympics

Los Angeles Lakers center Marc Gasol will play for Spain at the Tokyo Olympics.

Los Angeles Lakers center Marc Gasol was named to Spain’s 12-man roster for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the team announced.

Gasol, 36, will represent his country for the third time at the Olympic level. Gasol was on Spain’s roster in 2008 and 2012 when the country won the silver medal both times.

Spain had selected Gasol to its 18-man preliminary roster for exhibition games leading up the tournament, but six players needed to be cut as only 12 can head to Tokyo.

Joining Gasol on Spain’s roster are former Laker and brother, Pau Gasol, Ricky Rubio, Juancho Hernangomez and Willy Hernangomez; the latter three are in the NBA.

Here’s the full roster, via Team Spain’s basketball Twitter:

Gasol is slated to be the only Laker playing in Tokyo. Anthony Davis reportedly wanted to focus on healing from an injury-riddled season, and LeBron James subtly declined during a press conference by referencing his new movie, “Space Jam: A New Legacy”.

Dennis Schroder could’ve represented Germany, who won the qualifying tournament to make the Olympics, but his status as an unrestricted free agent posed insurance issues.

Spain kicks off the Olympics against the hosts, Japan, on July 26 at 5:00 a.m. PST.

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