Spurs' Gasol plans on playing at least another 3-4 years

The end of the San Antonio Spurs' five-game playoff run doesn't also signify the end of Pau Gasol's playing career.

With his 17th season now in the books, the 37-year-old center still feels he has a future where he can continue playing for several more years and still be effective.

"I have plenty of gas in the tank. I feel I can do a lot of good things on the floor. Hopefully I'll play, in my mind, three or four years at least," Gasol said following San Antonio's season-ending Game 5 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night. "So that's what's on my mind.

"But knowing that, I also take it one year at a time, and try not to look too much too far into the future, because a lot of factors might come into play. I feel like I've had a pretty good season, very efficient for the minutes and opportunities that I've been given. One of my most efficient seasons (probably) seasons when I look at it."

Gasol was a reserve for the Spurs in the first round after starting 63 of 77 games during the 2017-18 campaign. He averaged just six points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in 18 minutes per game in his backup role, with his team outscored by 24 total points when he was on the floor.

He remains under contract to the team through 2019-20 at $16 million per year, which matches up with his mindset that he can go another three or so seasons.

Gasol did contribute a near double-double during the regular season with 10.1 points and eight boards per game. He's a two-time champion, six-time All-Star, former Rookie of the Year in 2002, and two-time member of the All-NBA Second Team.