NBA Trade Rumors: Dealing Pau Gasol to Rockets Remains Smart Move for Lakers

Just in case you haven't heard any Pau Gasol rumors in the past 10 minutes, it's time to dust off one we all thought was dead and revive it once more. It's a logical move for both teams, after all.

What rumor am I talking about?

Why, Gasol being traded to the Houston Rockets and the Los Angeles Lakers receiving Kyle Lowry and Luis Scola in return, of course.

The rumor has been revitalized by Sam Smith of Bulls.com:

"

[Gasol] probably has the best chance of being traded among the current and former All-Star players. The Lakers are woefully short in the backcourt and with depth and athleticism. He was in that aborted preseason deal to the Rockets, and their interest is said to remain the most significant. The deal that’s been most speculated is Gasol for Luis Scola and Kyle Lowry. The Rockets are said to be high on Goran Dragic and Jonny Flynn to replace Lowry, and the Lakers desperately need a point guard under Mike Brown’s system. This is a deal, denied for now, that benefits both teams and seems likely to be made.

"

It even works in ESPN's Trade Machine, though John Hollinger isn't a fan.

In the past, the rumors have indicated that the Rockets wouldn't be willing to move Lowry in a trade for Gasol, much as they've coveted the Spanish forward. But they do have the depth to sustain the loss of Lowry, and Gasol would give them a star they lack.

Meanwhile, the Lakers would land a much-needed point guard and a power forward in Scola, who wouldn't replace Gasol's production but would certainly hold his own. He's averaging 15.1 points and 5.9 rebounds a game this year, after all.

Even if the Lakers had to sweeten the pot for Houston to make this deal, it would be an excellent move for the team. A starting five of Andrew Bynum, Scola, Matt Barnes, Kobe Bryant and Lowry sounds pretty good right about now.

I'm sure Lakers fans would be more than happy to dust off this old rumor and make it a reality. Well, if they can't trade Gasol for Rajon Rondo, that is.

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