Lakers Rumors: Breaking Down Lake Show's Best Trade Partners for Pau Gasol
The Los Angeles Lakers have to make a decision. They can either lock up Pau Gasol and assuage his fears with a show of loyalty, or they can pull the trigger on any number of trade rumors currently swirling.
There is no more emotionally sensitive NBA player than Pau Gasol. Well, aside from Lamar Odom, and we all saw how that debacle turned out for all involved.
The rumors that Gasol might be traded continue as the trade deadline looms. Recently, Kobe Bryant even called out the franchise for not doing enough to make a quick and concrete decision on Gasol.
The hard line has been set. LA has to either make Gasol their own and tell the world he is off the trading block, or go with one of these potential trade partners.
The Bulls have emerged as an unlikely suitor for Gasol, and it has everything to do with the request of Derrick Rose.
When the defending MVP asks, you listen. So one has to think the report from Chris Sheridan has legs.
The Sheridan Hoops report claims that Rose has requested the Bulls look into swinging a trade for Gasol. Such a deal would center around Carlos Boozer and another player.
I am still unsure why the Lakers would trade a versatile but aging forward for one that is merely aging.
Kurt Hellin of NBC Sports reports on myriad options—among them is the trade rumor that the Lakers still really want Dwight Howard and will just about go through hoops to get him.
A straight swap of stars is still unlikely, with the Magic demanding a star player and picks in return. This remains a far-fetched idea when you consider how much the Lakers would have to give up to get Superman.
Chris Tomasson of Fox Sports reported the Timberwolves were interested in Gasol, and it would be a dream pairing with fellow Spaniard Ricky Rubio playing in Minnesota's backcourt.
The deal would center around LA-native Derrick Williams and draft picks. It's hardly a move a contender gunning for a title now would make.
Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski reported in early February of a lingering interest on the part of the Rockets in Pau Gasol.
The issue there is the Rockets are keen on holding onto Kyle Lowry, the only player the Lakers would actually want in a deal.
Eric Pincus of Hoopsworld shocked the world when he leaked that the Celtics would be willing to swap Rajon Rondo for Pau Gasol. Those rumors died a swift death, but one has to wonfer if they live on behind the scenes.
That kind of deal makes a great deal more sense than you would think, as Boston continues to question whether to build around Rondo. The Lakers, in return, get exactly what they need in a star point guard.
All of these rumors illustrate the Lakers forward is still very much coveted by general managers and players alike.
I agree the Lakers need to get stronger, but they can hardly do that for lesser players. Unless a star guard is coming back the other way, they need to close up shop until the summer.
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