Lakers Rumors: Why a Blockbuster Deal Would Cripple LA's Title Hopes

The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the many teams rumored to be active players as the trade deadline looms, but actually pulling the trigger on a major deal would be extremely detrimental to this team. 

Currently, the Lakers are in fifth place in the Western Conference. They're going to make the playoffs with ease, but a drastic trade would hinder their chances of winning it all and that cannot happen. 

According to Chris Tomasson of FOX Sports, the Minnesota Timberwolves are pursuing a possible trade with the Lakers that would send Derrick Williams and draft picks out to LA in exchange for Pau Gasol. 

This would be a huge mistake for the Lakers because Williams isn't ready to fill the void that would be left by Gasol. 

Sure, Williams would be great for the future, but by dealing Gasol the Lakers are essentially rebuilding and not focusing on winning the title this year. 

That would be unacceptable and would also put a ton of pressure on Kobe Bryant to carry the team even more. 

Right now, the Lakers only major need is for help at the point guard position. Any trades not involving that should be tossed out the window.

Although, if the Orlando Magic are actually willing to trade Dwight Howard then the Lakers should make it happen. Since that doesn't appear it will happen this year, the Lakers are better off moving on and trying to figure out a different way to better the team. 

With Kobe, Gasol and Andrew Bynum, the Lakers can definitely make a run for the title. However, getting rid of Gasol will do them no good, especially if LA is only getting an unproven player in return. 

The Lakers are fine as is, so they need to play it smart and put their attention toward winning—not making a blockbuster trade.