Lakers Rumors: LA Must Lower Expectations If They Hope to Move Pau Gasol

I hate to break this to you, but the never-ending cycle of Pau Gasol trade rumors won't stop unless the Los Angeles Lakers lower their expectations for what they need to get in return for the forward.

So what exactly are those expectations?

Glad you asked. Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times has the answer:

"

The Lakers are resolute about not trading Gasol unless they get back a young star, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Times. There is no movement toward any deal involving Gasol, who has two years and $38.3 million left on his contract after this season.

"

There are two words in this piece that simply don't work for me: "young star." If the Lakers were willing to make a move for a young player with a lot of potential, that could work. If the team were willing to move Gasol for an older stud, that might work as well.

But a star?

I'm not seeing it.

When I hear the words "young star" in relation to the Lakers, I can't help but think that is simply code for Rajon Rondo or Kevin Love, or even Kyle Lowry, all players the Lakers have virtually no chance of landing for Gasol (and that they've been linked to having interest in).

And honestly, is Pau Gasol a star? Or is he an excellent player and one of the best options at his position, but as an elite complementary piece, not as a player you would want to build your team around?

Maybe I'm arguing semantics too much, but I don't think Gasol warrants a "star" in return if he's dealt.

Now, if the Lakers were willing to make a deal with the Philadelphia 76ers for Andre Iguodala and Lou Williams (they would probably need to throw the Sixers another piece in that trade), that could be feasible. There aren't any rumors out there suggesting that is a possibility, but in my opinion that's the sort of deal that could realistically happen and would improve the team.

But a young star?

Not happening. So get used to all of those trade rumors surrounding Pau Gasol that never actually amount to anything, because as we stand now, the forward is probably locked in on the Lakers' roster.

At least until their expectations change.

Hit me up on Twitter—my tweets have the perfect amount of foam on the top.