Two-time reigning FIBA Europe Player of the Year Pau Gasol appears likely to skip the FIBA World Championship.

The 29-year-old was the MVP of the event in 2006 and at last year's EuroBasket in Poland.

The Los Angeles Lakers star said to El Mundo: "To play for the national team gives me great enthusiasm and a lot of pride.

"It's a luxury to be able to share that joy with the team we have. It's something I have enjoyed for many years and I hope I can enjoy it a few more times although this summer it's going to be complicated.

"It's clear that with the comments I have made so far, one should know where my decision is heading. You don't need to be an expert to decipher codes."

Gasol sat out the early part of the NBA season because of right hamstring injury and then missed time at the start of 2010 with a left hamstring problem.

"My dream is to win many rings with the Lakers and to win gold at the 2012 Olympics in London," he said.

"I continue to do what I enjoy, which is to play basketball and be efficient and go to bed calm.

"This is my personality."

The last time that Gasol did not play for Spain was at EuroBasket 2005 in Belgrade.

If Gasol's potential absence at the FIBA World Championship is worrisome to Spain fans, the sudden reemergence of Sergio Rodriguez and Rudy Fernandez is cause for good cheer.

Rodriguez, the MVP of the U18 European Championship in 2004, and the 2006 FIBA Europe Young Men Player of the Year Fernandez, had strong games this week in the NBA.

Rodriguez was dealt to the New York Knicks last week from Sacramento and has been thrust into the starting line-up by coach Mike D'Antoni.

In his third game with the team on Wednesday night, the 23-year-old point guard had 18 points, six assists, two steals and a block in a four-point defeat at Boston.

Fernandez, meanwhile, who missed 19 games from December 5 to January 10 because of a back injury, says he is happy in Portland but is leaving the door open on a possible return to Spain after the season.

He had a terrific game on Wednesday against the Raptors.

The 6ft 6in guard played 32 minutes and scored 17 points in the Blazers' 101-87 triumph.

Before that contest, a reporter with The Oregonian asked Fernandez about what was different when comparing this season to his rookie campaign.

"It's a little different because probably last year I had Sergio - we had old ties and were friendly," Fernandez said.

"You know, sometimes I miss my family, I need my family and I miss my friends. It's hard to stay in another country and sometimes you think about (Spain). But I think I'm very happy in Portland and very comfortable in the city. I love the fans. I think I'm happy, and I want to stay happy."

His main concern now is to help Portland reach the play-offs.

Fernandez will then consider his next move.