Los Angeles Lakers: Is a 3-Team Trade the Answer?

As with many trades in the NBA, often, teams that want to make a deal have to bring in a third team in order to get a deal done.

Currently, three teams that have been rumored to be looking for a deal are the Nets, Celtics and Lakers.

Why not have a deal that includes all three teams?

It is well-known at this point that the Lakers are still exploring deals for Pau Gasol. Meanwhile, some people believe that a deal between the Celtics and Nets might make sense.

How about we take all three teams and make a deal that makes sense for everyone?

One deal that works out is one that I've yet to hear from any journalists.

Lakers Trade: Pau Gasol, Metta World Peace

Lakers Receive: Deron Williams, Mehmet Okur

Nets Trade: Deron Williams, Mehmet Okur, Brook Lopez

Nets Receive: Pau Gasol, Rajon Rondo

Celtics Trade: Rajon Rondo

Celtics Receive: Brook Lopez, Metta World Peace

To see how it all fits, click here. 

So the big question is, why would these teams make this trade?

First, for the Lakers, they need a point guard badly. True, they would lose Pau Gasol, but getting back Deron Williams is a no-brainer, even if it means taking back Mehmet Okur.

For the Celtics, it's clear that Danny Ainge isn't fully confident in his young point guard and would love to trade for a young center with a bright future. While Gasol might be the more talented big man, Lopez has more youth and would be better for a rebuilding process. In addition, they pick up the sometimes crazy, occasionally useful Metta World Peace. Really, this is just to make the salaries work, so if the Celtics aren't happy with World Peace, they can always use their amnesty.

Finally, there's the Nets. Why trade away their biggest trade chip for Dwight?

Because it isn't certain they'll ever get Howard, and they can't risk losing out on both Howard and Deron Williams. This way, the team gets back the young and talented Rajon Rondo, as well as getting one of the most versatile big men in the game with Pau Gasol. It may take them out of the Dwight Howard Sweepstakes, but with Rondo and Pau Gasol running pick-and-rolls all day, this team has the ability to win right away.

And best of all? Both stars are under contract for a while, so the Nets can grow as a team without any free-agency pressure looming.

It remains to be seen if any of these teams will take the risk of dealing their star players, but come the trade deadline, teams tend to get nervous and look to make a serious move.

Will this be a trade we could see come the deadline? I wouldn't be surprised.