Lakers Rumors: Los Angeles Would Be Foolish to Break Up Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum

The Los Angeles Lakers cannot afford to break up the big-man tandem of Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum because no other NBA team can match up well against L.A.'s two seven-footers.

Bynum and Gasol give the Lakers a huge advantage in the paint because of their rebounding, shot blocking and scoring ability at the basket.

Having two star seven-foot big men is rare in today's NBA, which is why the Lakers cannot risk trading either one.

A source has told FOX Sports that the Timberwolves are looking to acquire Gasol in exchange for this year's No. 2 overall pick, Derrick Williams, and some draft picks.

This would be a terrible move for the Lakers, who don't need to get younger and rebuild just yet. With a small upgrade at point guard, and maybe a bench scorer, they would be a favorite to reach the NBA Finals from the Western Conference.

Breaking up your biggest strength, your two-man combo in the paint, would be extremely foolish of the Lakers.

Thus far, Jim Buss has been unwilling to trade both Bynum and Gasol in a package for Orlando Magic star center Dwight Howard, and he needs to be equally unwilling to part with Gasol in a deal for Williams.

Williams is a good young player, but he is still years away from being a top-tier player, and the Lakers are in win-now mode.

The Lakers are first in the NBA in rebounding and fourth in points allowed. This is all because they have two elite seven-foot big men who can dominate every night at both ends of the floor. That kind of advantage is something you don't destroy because no other team in basketball can match up well against that strength.

Gasol is still an elite player, and trading him for younger talent and/or draft picks would be foolish of the Lakers.