Jaka Lakovic comments on Gran Canaria's future in the EuroLeague / News - Basketnews.com

Lakovic said that the club is weighing all options but has to consider the traveling pains that the staff and the players experience during the season, beating the mileage of NBA teams by almost 100%. He also denied the rumors of him possibly overtaking FC Barcelona.

Credit: Rodolfo Molina/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images Credit Rodolfo Molina/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images

Dreamland Gran Canaria won the 2022-23 EuroCup and the right to play in next year's EuroLeague but their participation in the tournament is still unclear.

Free throws this season

75%15,2Points made:15,2Accuracy:74,9%Place in standings:8Record max:32Record min:5Most made FTs:Vitor BeniteTeamEuroCupStatisticsSchedule

The club is considering opting out of the competition due to possible financial difficulties and traveling pains.

After getting eliminated from the Spanish Liga Endesa (ACB) title contention in the quarterfinal by Real Madrid, Gran Canaria's head coach Jaka Lakovic commented on the possible move to the EuroLeague.

"As a competitor, I always want to play in the best competitions. The important thing now is what the club decides," he said in the post-game press conference. "I know that they are weighing all the options to offer the team the optimal conditions to be able to compete in a league like the EuroLeague. This year we have already traveled more than 121,000 kilometers, and we must keep that in mind. You have to think about the players and the club. We will do everything possible."

In fact, the Spanish club accumulated more than 121,000 km in travel distance throughout the season,according to Nacho Duque from Marca. Located several thousand kilometers away from mainland Spain, Gran Canaria do not travel with charter planes. Instead, they use regular airlines for travel to and from the games.

NBA teamstraveled an average of 41,000 miles(~66,000 km) during the 2022-23 regular season. Gran Canaria beat that number by almost 100%.

Lastly, Lakovic addressed rumors that he might overtake FC Barcelona if current head coach Sarunas Jasikevicius leaves after the season.

"I have a contract with Gran Canaria and I'm very happy here. I'm already making plans with our sports director for the upcoming season. Honestly, these are just rumors. Barca have a very good coach and we'll see what happens. I don't know why my name's there," he concluded.

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