8 Teams That Could Benefit from Kobe's Ultimatum for Lakers Management

It's almost remarkable that we haven't heard more from Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant as it regards the overall direction of the team.

But after Sunday's loss to the Phoenix Suns, Bryant couldn't be quiet any longer involving all of the Pau Gasol rumors that have been surfacing recently.

He issued an ultimatum that said "I wish management would come out and either trade him or not trade him," Bryant told the Los Angeles Times.

Bryant also added.

"It's just tough for a player to give his all when you don't know if you're going to be here tomorrow. I'd rather them not trade him at all, but if they're going to do something, I wish they would just...do it."

The ultimatum has been laid down by Bryant. Now, we will see if Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak gives in to his superstars demands.

If he does decide to do so, here are eight teams that could benefit from Bryant's latest demands.

Los Angeles Clippers

As they look right now, the Lakers have a size advantage over pretty much every team they face.

Getting Gasol off the Lakers is big for the Clippers, who currently hold a two-game lead over the Lakers in the Pacific Division.

The Clippers biggest weakness is their front-court depth, and a potential trade that would take Gasol off the Lakers could make Vinny Del Negro's team the biggest winner of all.

Quite frankly, any trade for Gasol that doesn't bring back an All-Star caliber big man in return weakens the Lakers, and the Clippers benefit in the end.

Minnesota Timberwolves

If Kupchak decides to dangle Gasol in an attempt to strengthen the franchise for the future and not the present, the Timberwolves could be in a great spot.

Minnesota has made it known that Ricky Rubio and Kevin Love are untouchable but would like to acquire a veteran big man for the stretch run.

They've been rumored to offer No. 2 overall pick Derrick Williams and draft picks at the Lakers in an attempt to acquire Gasol.

If it comes down to making a serious push for him, the Wolves have a lot of pieces they can make a competitive offer with.

Chicago Bulls

The NBA's reigning MVP Derrick Rose hasn't been the type of personality to come out and say management should make certain moves.

But according to Chris Sheridan at Sheridan Hoops, Rose has let it be known to Bulls management that he wants to play with Gasol.

I don't put too much stock into this as I really can't see the Lakers taking on Carlos Boozer and the three years and $46 million remaining on his contract, but if the Bulls are in the conversation then they could make a serious run at Gasol just to please their superstar if that's the case.

Orlando Magic

It could turn out that Kupchak finally takes a serious run at acquiring Dwight Howard from the Magic and Orlando could benefit by landing both Gasol and Andrew Bynum in addition to a pair of first-round draft picks.

It's been thought that it would take much more than that, but Kupchak could eventually put together the proper package of picks and players that could eventually make a deal for Howard a possibility.

Boston Celtics

The biggest need for the Lakers is a point guard, and if you believe the rumors, Boston is one team that has dangled an All-Star caliber point guard the Lakers way.

Boston could benefit by taking a run at Gasol for a couple reasons.

First of all, Gasol gives the Celtics the much-needed front-court depth that they desperately need, and secondly, it gives Danny Ainge the perfect opportunity to deal Rondo, something he's apparently looking to do, dating back to the offseason and the Chris Paul rumors.

Houston Rockets

Gasol is the franchise-type big man that the Rockets have been in search of, and they had nearly acquired him once, before NBA commissioner David Stern nixed the original Chris Paul deal to the Lakers.

The Rockets apparently could offer a package of Kevin Martin and Luis Scola in exchange for Gasol, according to Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski.

Pairing Gasol with a rising star in point guard Kyle Lowry, who's untouchable, could benefit the Rockets as much as any other team and could thrust them right into contention in the Western Conference.

Toronto Raptors

Here's another rumor that probably won't go anywhere, but the Raptors have apparently offered Andrea Bargnani and Jose Calderon in exchange for Gasol.

It's not entirely clear why the struggling Raptors would have the interest in Gasol, who's presence doesn't make them contenders, but they have hinted at wanting to shed some salary.

Maybe they can benefit by acquiring Gasol and then flipping him for young talent and draft picks.

Los Angeles Lakers

It's entirely possible that Bryant's comments have the reverse effect, and they ultimately strengthen the Lakers team.

Kupchak can pull Gasol off the trade block and make the minor tweaks that this team probably needs.

They could still take a run at a point guard, but they don't necessarily have to part with Gasol to do so.