Lakers Trade Rumors: LA Must Keep Pau Gasol in Order to Win a Title in 2012
As the March 15 NBA trade deadline looms, the Los Angeles Lakers would be insane to move Pau Gasol because it would crush their chances of winning a championship this year.
It's no secret the Lakers need help at the point guard position, but they have to find a deal where they can bring one in without giving up Gasol.
The skilled power forward has been the subject of rumors for awhile now, but he continues to perform at a high level.
Gasol did talk with Lakers general manger Mitch Kupchak about where the team stands on him and all the rumors swirling around, according to ESPN.
He discussed how it was, "kind of calming to have that feedback." Still, everything is up in the air and Gasol will have to wait it out, which he is fully aware of.
""I don't know what, right now, is the state of moves and intentions and stuff like that," he said. "But March 15th is closer. I know it's coming. It's only, what, nine days? So no matter what in nine days, we'll have an answer. That's the good thing. Hopefully after that, we can put everything behind us.
"
He remains hopeful he won't be on the move, but only time will tell. If the Lakers are smart, though, they will keep Gasol and focus on other trade options to better the team.
Think about it for a second and let's be real here. Trading Gasol will not improve the team enough to win a championship.
The 7'0" power forward needs to stay on the team, because he will greatly help them down the stretch and into the postseason.
What the Lakers really need to do is bring in Ramon Sessions, Raymond Felton or Kirk Hinrich. Any of those point guards would be an upgrade from what they have, and would benefit them for the remainder of the year.
Dumping Gasol would do a great deal of damage to the Lakers, as more pressure would be placed on Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum. That isn't needed, which is why Los Angeles has to keep Gasol.
The Lakers are going to make the postseason and once there, they'll need Gasol's skills to help them win. If they trade him, it won't end well for Los Angeles.
