Pau Gasol Trade Rumors: Updating Latest Buzz Around Lakers Star
The last few weeks have to have been rough on Pau Gasol, not to mention the entire season. Despite being a valuable member of the Los Angeles Lakers, his name has come up in numerous trade rumors.
The rumors came to such a boiling point recently that, according to ESPN LA's Ramona Shelburne, Gasol and Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak met privately to discuss the rumors and clear the air.
Still, that hasn't kept the Spanish 7-footer's name from popping up in trade proposals.
The Lakers have been interested in Minnesota Timberwolves forward Michael Beasley for quite some time now, and in a report by Ray Richardson of the Pioneer Press, Gasol had "kind words" about Beasley's teammate Kevin Love, calling him "a powerful player" and that he was "definitely impressed with him." Could this mean a potential deal with Minnesota?
And, as we continue to beat a horse that we're not sure is dead or alive, the Houston Rockets continue to show great interest in Gasol. CBSSports.com's Ken Berger reported Friday that both teams were engaged in talks over a deal involving him, but that the Rockets were hesitant to include point guard Kyle Lowry in any deal.
ESPN's Chris Broussard has them offering Luis Scola, Kevin Martin, Goran Dragic and a first-round draft pick.
Finally, we come to the rumor that has been brewing all season long: the Lakers sending Gasol and Andrew Bynum to the Orlando Magic for Dwight Howard. Acquiring the best center in the NBA would compensate for the loss of both Bynum and Gasol, and then some, so it's interesting how the Lakers have not yet pulled the trigger on this deal.
Sure, Bynum is playing the best basketball of his career this year with career highs in minutes and major categories like points and rebounds per game, but there's no guarantee how long it will last given his tendency to get injured.
Either way, no matter how you look at it, the Los Angeles Lakers are in need of a makeover. The current lineup is good, but not consistent enough to contend for a title. If trading Gasol means taking a step forward, so be it.
At this point, a buyer with the right offer just has to be found.
