Report: Erazem Lorbek to re-sign with Regal Barcelona

Erazem Lorbek, who was tabbed as the MVP of the Liga Title, will not join the San Antonio Spurs this season according to Paul Garcia of Project Spurs. Solobasket.com reported that Lorbek will indeed sign with his Spanish team for roughly $2.5 million per season.

In the end the decision came down to money and opportunity. Opportunity to develop into a valuable role player for one of the best coaches in the NBA, in the most talented basketball league in the world, as alluring as it appears, was trumped by money. It’s a shame because Lorbek’s size and diverse arsenal could’ve helped bolster the Spurs’ frontline this season.

It would have also made Matt Bonner expendable, given their comparable skill sets, which isn’t such a bad thing considering Bonner is a notoriously awful playoff performer.

As of now, the Spurs’ frontline consists of DeJuan Blair, Matt Bonner and Tiago Splitter. Factoring in the inevitable contract agreement with Tim Duncan and the likely deal with Boris Diaw, the Spurs’ frontline will have undergone no alterations. There’s still time to make a move but Lorbek’s decision certainly makes matters more difficult.

Update, 2:12 AM CST: Per Project Spurs, Lorbek has officially signed with Regal Barcelona. The deal reportedly spans 2-3 years, with an average value of $2.5 million per year. Lorbek ultimately sided with security, comfort and prominence over the opportunity to play alonside Tim Duncan. The deal, interestingly enough, was actually surpassed by CSKA Moscow’s offer.

(Photo courtesy of radiohit.si.)