Lakers Rumors: Potential Pau Gasol Trade Proves Los Angeles Is Desperate

Pau Gasol's time in Los Angeles could be coming to an end, according to a report from Roland Lazenby.

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It seems we'll soon be getting news that Gasol has been traded. No details confirmed, but he's apparently gone.

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"— Roland Lazenby (@lazenby) March 9, 2012"

Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports refuted that any deal is done, but did add that Houston is maintaining constant contact with the Lakers about Gasol's availability. 

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Houston has continued to aggressively probe the Lakers on a potential Pau Gasol trade, but there's no deal close, league sources tell Y!

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"— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) March 9, 2012"

Considering all the rumors surrounding Gasol since before the season started, it would not be a surprise to see him get moved. The only problem with this whole situation is the timing of it. 

The Lakers had no deals on the horizon—at least nothing reported that was reported—before they lost two straight games to Detroit and Washington. 

If a potential deal goes down this quickly, it would reek of desperation for a franchise that prides itself on not making rash decisions. 

Strange things happen to teams when they lose a couple of games that they shouldn't, but when you start making decisions based on short-term results you end up getting yourself in trouble. 

Perhaps the Lakers will get a deal that manages to save their season, but it is not like they are in that much trouble as presently constructed. They are practically even with the "other" Los Angeles team for the No. 4 spot, which will get them home-court advantage. 

Nothing about this situation makes a lot of sense from the Lakers' perspective, and that is why their fans should hope that the reports of any potential deal should be seen as a negative. 

Gasol has not been the problem for the Lakers, everyone knows that. If there is a point guard out there who can change the pace at which the team plays, then that would be a great idea for the team to pursue. 

But unless Rajon Rondo is coming to Los Angeles, there is no reason to think that the team would be substantially better. 

A driving force for the team this season, Gasol should not be dealt because of a bad stretch of games. That is what this potential deal has the feeling of, and it is not good for anyone. 

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