Lakers Trade Rumors: Andrew Bynum for Dwight Howard Would Tarnish LA's Title Run

Despite boasting the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference and being just two-and-a-half games out of second place, the L.A. Lakers still have forward Pau Gasol and center Andrew Bynum floating about in trade rumors.

According to a Yahoo! Sports piece from NBA author Marc J. Spears, if the Lakers were to be involved in a move for Dwight Howard, it would likely involve dealing both Gasol and Bynum.

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"The Lakers will likely only move Bynum in a deal for Howard, sources said. The Houston Rockets still have interest in Gasol – who they nearly acquired in the offseason – but will likely have to recruit a third team that can send a point guard to the Lakers."

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In giving away both of the team's twin towers, the anchors on both ends of the floor in the paint, these Lakers stand no chance at competing for an NBA championship. In trading for a guy like Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard, the team would inevitably have to give up both big men.

To Howard's credit, he is an outright monster at center and easily the most dominant player in the game in the paint.

The three-time Defensive Player of the Year boasts impeccable numbers, averaging a league-best 15 rebounds per game to go along with 2.2 blocks per game—a mark that ranks No. 4 in the league.

Offensively, Howard is averaging 20.9 points per game on 56.7 percent shooting. These numbers are a statement to the improvements Howard has made on the offensive end with extra time put into his game in the offseason.

Yet in the situation that the Lakers have, giving up both Gasol and Bynum for this superstar is anything but worth it.

One of the qualities that makes this Lakers team so effective is their ability to win games with their inside game. Bynum and Gasol make up arguably the biggest frontcourt in basketball. Their size alone keeps opposing offenses away from the paint on defense.

With Howard and Bryant playing alongside one another in LA, there would be a lack of depth in each of the other three positions in the starting lineup as well as the bench.

Having both Bynum and Gasol somewhat compensates for a short bench, yet with Howard the Lakers essentially give up two talented starters for one. On a team with as poor a bench as the Lakers boast, giving up a quality starter at a position is something this team must shy away from.

Despite the hype surrounding Howard and a move to LA, if the organization knows what's best for them, they will keep Bynum and Gasol and fight for a No. 1 seed in the West.