Lakers Rumors: Why LA Must Make Last-Second Push for Rajon Rondo
There have been indications that the Lakers apparently rejected a Pau Gasol for Rajon Rondo swap.
The big and only question concerning this is: Why?
What are the Lakers expecting to get for the 31-year-old Gasol? Do they really think they're going to get a player like Deron Williams for him?
The Lakers need to be more realistic with Gasol, and quite frankly, Rondo is a high-quality player who is only 26. There's no reason for the Lakers to not have distinct interest in this deal.
Rondo would fill their biggest hole, which is at the point guard spot. Plus, with him only being 26, they could build around him for the future.
With Gasol, it's not like his aging body is a huge part of their future. Rondo and Andrew Bynum on the other hand are two great young pieces to have for the next 10 years. And Kobe Bryant hasn't shown too many signs of rust, signaling a good four or five years left.
Plus, over time, the Lakers could add supporting pieces to complement Rondo and Bynum. It's simply the best long-term decision for them to land Rondo. While it may not yield a championship this year or next, it's going to put them in a much better position to contend as the years progress.
Truthfully, the Lakers should be exploring every possible way to get this deal done. Even if they have to give up more than Gasol—let's say a young player like Devin Ebanks and a draft pick—so be it.
Gasol's value is dwindling while Rondo's is at its peak (and will remain there for years).
With the continued emergence of Andrew Bynum, Gasol has grown expendable. Plus, they'll be able to find a replacement for him sometime in the near future. Los Angeles is quite an attractive market and there's surely a power forward who would like to play alongside Bynum, Bryant and Rondo.
If the Lakers don't pull the trigger on this deal, they will be one they look back on with major regret. It's time for them to make a last-second push to land Boston's All-Star point guard.
In all honesty, can you think of any reason why they wouldn't pursue this deal?
