Lakers Trade Rumors: Dealing Pau Gasol Would Cripple LA's Title Chances

Pau Gasol is the center of more rumors than Kim Kardashian, but the Los Angeles Lakers would be making a devastating mistake by dealing the seven-foot Spaniard.

The Lakers have had plenty of issues since last year's postseason implosion, and for whatever reason, Gasol's head has been the one placed on the chopping block. However, Los Angeles would cripple their title chances by dealing Gasol.

It's easy to forget, but just 10 months ago, the duo of Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum was seen as the biggest advantage in basketball. The two dominate the paint, and in the postseason, talented big men are at the heart of every title contender.

Although the Lakers have had their problems this season, they still sit 24-16, good for fifth in the Western Conference. And in this lockout-shortened season, seeding matters less than ever.

The key to postseason success this year will be predicated on health, and as long as the Lakers' Big Three is somewhere near 100 percent, they have as good a shot as anybody to come out of the West.

The Thunder are obviously the most talented team in the conference, but you can't usually trust 23-year-olds in the postseason. San Antonio is killing it now, but I'm not so sure guys like Danny Green and Tiago Splitter will contribute much in the playoffs. And the Mavericks are always dangerous, but the loss of Tyson Chandler would leave Bynum free to wreak havoc around the rim.

There's no denying that the Lakers have their own fatal weaknesses. Derek Fisher gets murdered by every point guard in the league, their bench may be one of the worst in NBA history, and every Lakers fan is on the verge of tears whenever Metta World Peace launches one of his awkward three-pointers.

But as long as L.A. has Kobe, Bynum and Gasol, the Lakers will contend for the NBA title. If they dump one of their three pillars, however, they will be doomed to another early playoff exit.