Lakers Rumors: LA Smart to Hold Firm on Pau Gasol Trade Demands

Pau Gasol has heard all the stories and rumors about his future with the Los Angeles Lakers, but at the end of the day, he is still suiting up for them. And that appears to be a calculated move by the front office. 

While Roland Lazenby is busy reporting that the team is on the verge of dealing Gasol, everyone else is wondering what to make of the lack of hard information. 

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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"

Meanwhile, Ramona Shelburne of ESPN Los Angeles reported that the Lakers would only be interested in moving Gasol anywhere if they could get a true star in return. 

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According to multiple league sources, the Lakers have continued to field calls and listen to offers for the talented Spaniard. While there were talks with the Houston Rockets in recent days, nothing became serious because the Lakers aren't inclined to move Gasol unless they can get an All-Star-caliber player in return, most likely a point guard.

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Considering all the speculation that has surrounded Gasol, this is actually the most sensible news to come from this whole situation since before the season started. 

If you recall, the Lakers were supposed to acquire Chris Paul and send Gasol to Houston, but NBA commissioner David Stern squashed that deal for reasons that still don't make a lot of sense. 

Unless a team starts offering a point guard of Paul's caliber (there are only a handful that can make that claim, and none of them will be dealt) the Lakers have no reason to move Gasol. 

Sure, he is a little too emotional, but Gasol is still a star at the power forward position. He can do things that very few big men in the NBA are capable of, and that versatility makes him a valuable asset to have. 

The Lakers know how good Gasol is, and aren't about to move him just for the sake of making a deal to plug a point guard in their lineup. They have to find the right point guard, whoever that may be. 

Unless the Lakers find that player, they should not feel obligated to make a trade. They are still going to the playoffs, and could be playing on their home court regardless because the team they are battling for the No. 4 spot is the Los Angeles Clippers. 

Gasol should remain in Los Angeles unless the team gets an offer that is so good it would be impossible to refuse. It doesn't sound like that deal is imminent, so the Lakers will play the hand they've got. 

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