NBA: Gasol signs three-year extension with Lakers

LOS ANGELES (AFP) - 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Spaniard makes 16.5 million dollars this season and will make 17.8 million dollars next season.