LA Lakers News: Pau Gasol Hopes To Reassert Himself In 2013-14 NBA Season

Pau Gasol had a roller-coaster type of a ride last season as he was involved in several trade talks and found himself lost in their offensive schemes, but the All-Star forward is looking to redeem himself next NBA season.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Gasol called last season as an "uncertain period". But now that Dwight Howard is gone, the Spanish center is hoping that he will get back into his old form that helped the Lakers bag the 2009 and 2010 NBA title.

Gasol, who said that he was not surprised with the decision of Howard, will have a bigger load on his shoulder with Howard gone and LA Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant injured.

"I think I have the most uncertain period behind me. The team has suffered a lot of changes, but as far as me, I am back in the position of a lot of responsibility, which I like, and I'm just going to focus on getting healthy," Gasol said.

"Now with Dwight gone, I am the reference inside and I am more like I was a couple of years back when we made the Finals three straight times and won two straight championships," the 12-year-veteran forward said.

The 33-year-old All-Star found himself in a tough situation last season under the system of head coach Mike D'Antoni. Gasol averaged a career-low 13.7 points in 49 games to go along with 8.6 rebounds per game.

With a fresh season ahead of them, Gasol, who recognized that both him and D'Antoni were in a tough situation last season, is optimistic that next season will be a fresh start for him and the Lakers.

"D'Antoni had a tough position, I had a tough position. I had a job to do, he had a job to do, so there really is no mystery. I know he had challenges. It was a very challenging season. Next season is a different one and a new chapter. So we'll start out fresh and do our best," Gasol said.

The four-time NBA All-Star underwent surgery on both knees in May, but he believes that he will be fully-ready in time for training camp.