Pau Gasol to play for Chicago Bulls

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Free agent Pau Gasol says he is leaving the Los Angeles Lakers to play with the Chicago Bulls.

Gasol made the announcement on Twitter Saturday afternoon.

"It hasn't been easy. After meditating it a lot I've chosen to play with the Chicago Bulls. Looking forward to this new chapter of my career," he said.

The exact terms of the agreement were not immediately clear. Both the Bulls and Lakers were reportedly discussing sign-and-trade options, but no announcement has been made.

Chicago will need to make roster moves to free up salary-cap space for Gasol.

If the Bulls are unable to work a last-minute trade of Carlos Boozer, it likely means they will have to release him via the amnesty provision and clear the forward's $16.8 million off their salary cap to make room for Gasol. The deadline for such a move is Wednesday.

Gasol has played six seasons and won two titles with the Los Angeles Lakers, but he's been the subject of trade rumors for much of his time on the team. With Gasol gone, the Lakers are able to preserve their long-term salary cap flexibility to make a run at another big star next summer.

Gasol, who recently turned 34, averaged 17.4 points and 9.7 rebounds in 60 games for Los Angeles last season.

The Associated Press and ESPN contributed to this report.