Lakers Rumors: LA Must Avoid Trading Pau Gasol to Minnesota

The Lakers must turn a blind eye to the Minnesota Timberwolves' desire to land Pau Gasol. That trade is not one that would have a happy ending for Los Angeles. 

It is not the notion of trading Gasol that is the problem. The 7' Spaniard needs to be traded. He has been involved in rumors ever since the deal that had him packing his bags for Chris Paul was nixed by the league. 

This, combined with the switch in offensive system and the emergence of Andrew Bynum, has led to Gasol having his worst season as a Laker. 

LA and Gasol would be well served if he found a new home—just not in Minnesota. 

The Rumors

Chris Tomasson of Fox Sports dished the latest rumors on Gasol to Minnesota

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In other news involving NBA big men, a source said Wednesday that Minnesota continues to pursue a possible trade for Lakers forward Pau Gasol, dangling rookie Derrick Williams, who is from the Los Angeles area, and draft choices.

The only players considered untouchable by the Timberwolves, who are seeking to add a veteran by the trade deadline, are Kevin Love and Ricky Rubio. The Timberwolves believe it could be enticing for Gasol to play on the same team as fellow Spaniard Rubio.

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This rumor is certainly easy enough to believe. Minnesota should be shopping everyone on the roster not named Love or Rubio. 

However, without either of those two players there is no reason for the Lakers to make this move. 

Why the Lakers Must Avoid This Trade

Derrick Williams is the main selling point for the Timberwolves in this scenario, but early returns are not good on Williams. 

He is playing just a hair over 18 minutes a night, and is scoring just 7.3 points in those minutes. That number would look better if he wasn't shooting 43.1 percent from the field, and that number includes his 23.9 percent mark from three-point land. 

The last thing the Lakers need is another inaccurate three-point chucker. Williams has the looks of a guy caught in between positions in the NBA. 

Williams has shown some flashes—like in this fourth quarter against the Clippers. 

He certainly does present some matchup problems for the opposition, and he will be a terror running the court. He is never going to be a complete player.

He will not be a dominant rebounder, and he is always going to struggle matching up on defense. Williams is simply not going to develop into the caliber of player the Lakers must get for Gasol. 

Also, the Timberwolves' draft picks are getting less valuable by the day, and that would only be amplified if they acquired Gasol. 

This is a losing proposition for the Lakers, and one they must pass on.