Intro:

Los Angeles Lakers forward-centre Pau Gasol took some time from his busy humanitarian schedule to talk of his hopes for his team - and his own playing career - in Barcelona, Spain on Tuesday (July 30).

Script:

SOUNDBITE: (English) Pau Gasol, Los Angeles Lakers forward-centre:
"It's been impressive the strength of the people of Syria. How well they are adjusting to their new conditions and their new life. Knowing that they had to leave their homes because of the killings, destruction and violence."

SOUNDBITE: (English) Pau Gasol, Los Angeles Lakers forward-centre:
"So far so good. Now I'm entering the process when the rehab is going to step up in intensity. So we're going to test the knees in these next two months and a half before training camp."

SOUNDBITE: (English) Pau Gasol, Los Angeles Lakers forward-centre:
"Now with Dwight (Howard) gone I'm the reference inside. And I'm more in a position like I was a couple of years back when we got to the finals three straight times and won two championships. So that makes a big difference as far as my play."

SOUNDBITE: (English) Pau Gasol, Los Angeles Lakers forward-centre:
"Things change and things are different when a player like him (Dwight Howard) is on board or off. It wasn't a relief because that didn't really guarantee me. Lakers could have still trade me or amnesty me or whatever they though it would be best for the franchise. And if he had stayed I could have stated too. Or not. So many question marks."