Lakers Rumors: Pau Gasol for Rajon Rondo Would Be a Steal for Lakers

This might be the most intriguing Pau Gasol rumor since the one that had Chris Paul coming back the other way to Los Angeles.

It's no secret that Gasol doesn't loom as large on the Lakers as he once did. He's having a decent season, but he hinted to the Los Angeles Times in January that he's not quite sure what his role within the offense is at this juncture. 

More recently, Gasol told the Orange County Register that he's aware the Lakers might make a deal or two ahead of the March 15th trade deadline. He wasn't talking about himself specifically, but the only player on the Lakers who isn't in danger of being traded is Kobe Bryant.

As for what kind of player the Lakers are looking to add at this point, Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak wasn't very secretive when he was asked about it last week.

Here's what he told Lakers.com:

"

Well, if there were a way for us to get a 25-year-old, All-Star, ball-handling guard we'd love to do it … but that's not likely in February. So you look at other alternatives, and see if it's better than what you have. That's all.

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Someone like, say, Rajon Rondo?

That's who Eric Pincus of HOOPSWORLD suggested. He also dropped this nugget:

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Additionally, sources have told HOOSPWORLD that the Boston Celtics do have interest in Gasol for their All-Star point guard.

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Oh boy. Here we go.

Before we discuss the rationality of this proposal, let's discuss what it would mean for the Lakers.

In a word, this deal would be a steal for the Lakers. You heard it from Kupchak himself that the Lakers need a "25-year-old, All-Star, ball-handling guard," and Rondo fits that description to a T. He's one of the most creative playmakers in the NBA, and he would be a kid in a playground on the Lakers.

Yes, Gasol would be gone, but Andrew Bynum and Kobe would still be around. Rondo and Bynum would easily feed off each other, and Rondo's presence would save Kobe the trouble from having to create so many of his own shots.

At this stage of his career, that wouldn't be a bad thing. Kobe could benefit from a little saved energy, and nobody ever accused him of being unable to hit a wide open jumper. He doesn't get many of those, of course, but you get the idea.

On the flipside, this trade wouldn't make nearly as much sense for the Celtics. They would be able to play Gasol at the 5, but he would not make them a better team in the short-term. The trade wouldn't make sense in the long-term either, as Gasol is not a player to build around at this point in his career.

If I had to speculate, I'd say Danny Ainge is only interested in doing this trade because he thinks he could flip Gasol for youngsters or picks down the road.

This is, of course, assuming Ainge is interested in doing this trade at all. Consider me skeptical.

Still, it's an intriguing idea. And in the event Ainge does give Kupchak a call, he should pull the trigger without hesitation.