NBA Trade Rumors: Why It's Likely Pau Gasol Will Remain a Laker

Do you have a favorite trade rumor out there surrounding Pau Gasol of the Los Angeles Lakers? Well, it's likely that today we can debunk that rumor with the help of some "inside" sources.

More and more, it looks like Pau Gasol won't be moved despite all of the speculation.

We start with Adrian Wojnarowski, who says all is quiet on the West Coast front:

"

In calling around to front offices today, there sure didn't seem to be any on-going trade conversations involving Pau Gasol.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) February 21, 2012"

But why?

"

That doesn't mean talks aren't happening, but teams seem convinced Lakers only want a major talent in return -- not several lesser parts.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) February 21, 2012"

And why shouldn't they? The Lakers don't need to be in rebuilding mode; they need to be in win-now mode.

I guess we can put all of those Gasol to the Minnesota Timberwolves trades to rest then, huh?

It turns out, talks in that regard probably never even happened. From Peter Vecsey of the New York Post:

"

A sacrosanct source refutes last week’s Fox report the Lakers and Timberwolves were discussing a trade involving Pau Gasol for Derrick Williams and two draft picks. I’m informed no conversation between the teams has taken place in two months.

Sure, the subject could be revived as the March 15 trade deadline draws near. But bear in mind Los Angeles’ asking price for Gasol last time was Kevin Love.

"

Yeah, that's not happening.

But hey, what about the Houston Rockets? They have a ton of interest after nearly landing him this offseason, right?

They sure do. Just not at the asking price the Lakers will likely ask, as Chris Mannix tweeted.

"

No surprise, but I'm told emphatically Houston won't trade Kyle Lowry in a deal for Pau Gasol. Rockets want Pau, but not that bad.

— Chris Mannix (@ChrisMannixSI) February 21, 2012"

Dwight Howard is likely out of the question at this point, in no help because of the Lakers front-office disorder, as Ken Berger of CBS reports:

"

'The other GMs know what's going on,' said one of the people familiar with the Lakers' chaos. 'Jim has no relationships with other GMs, and they also know they're going to be able to swoop in there and do things [in trades]. This is a real critical time. The chances of Dwight Howard coming in there are slim and none at this point.'

"

As it stands, it doesn't look like there are moves to be made at this point that involve trading Gasol and actually improving the team this year, which is the Lakers goal. Sure, a Howard or Deron Williams deal would accomplish that goal, but that doesn't seem likely at this point.

After all, if the New Jersey Nets hope to land Howard, they'll need Williams around to keep the big man interested.

So Lakers fans or all you lovers of rumor-mongering, I hate to disappoint you, but as we stand today it looks far more likely Gasol will be staying rather than going.

I know—I think that outcome is boring too.

Hit me up on Twitter—my tweets have the perfect amount of foam at the top.