Lakers Rumors: Houston Rockets Hold Keys to Purple and Gold's Playoff Success

There aren't many options for the Los Angeles Lakers to get better, but the latest rumor involving the Houston Rockets happens to be one of them. 

The Rockets continue to be enamored with Gasol as the superstar they can build around, and they may be finally willing to part with Kyle Lowry to get him. 

Sam Smith of Bulls.com reports the Rockets may be willing to see Lowry go as other candidates have emerged as their backcourt leader of the future. Smith writes: 

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The deal that’s been most speculated is Gasol for Luis Scola and Kyle Lowry. The Rockets are said to be high on Goran Dragic and Jonny Flynn to replace Lowry, and the Lakers desperately need a point guard under Mike Brown’s system. This is a deal, denied for now, that benefits both teams and seems likely to be made.

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And just like that, a window of opportunity is given to the Lakers. I will temper my giddiness back just a tad to say that I am merely hopeful for this kind of trade, and the reasons are simple. 

Gasol Is Leaving

It's clear the Lakers front office has no clue what they are doing anymore, and most of that has to do with Jim Buss taking over the franchise and treating it like a new toy his dad gave him. 

I have a sick feeling that Gasol is leaving no matter what is coming back in a trade, and this is the best option we have seen that doesn't include Dwight Howard. 

If the Lakers are going to deal their Spaniard, they can't simply trade one gaping hole in the lineup for another. That is not what this deal would do. 

Deeper and Better

The Lakers lack depth, a small forward and point guard. In one trade they would solve two out of the three and could still get some help with their trade exception lingering. 

Gasol is still one of the best power forwards in the NBA and a player I am quite fond of for his versatility. With that being said, Luis Scola would do a fine job in taking his place. 

Scola plays with the grit and passion the Lakers need and would soon be a player the fans could rally behind. 

The real gem would be Kyle Lowry, a player that averages 15.6 points and 7.6 assists per game with the Rockets. 

Mike Brown has gone away from the triangle offense, an offense that doesn't demand the use of a star point guard. 

Much of the Lakers woes could be remedied with a young point guard that can actually lead the team on the floor with consistent minutes of production. 

Having Steve Blake and Derek Fisher as backup point guards makes the Lakers far deeper in the backcourt and the offense would flourish. 

We hate to see Gasol go, but this is a trade that makes sense. Since his departure is as close to inevitable as it has ever been, the hope is to actually make this team better, and this trade would do just that. 

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