Bulls Trade Rumors: Why the Lakers Are Avoiding Boozer Like the Plague

When Pau Gasol was included in the vetoed Chris Paul trade in December, Gasol’s name became the subject of multiple rumors as he was perceived to now be on the block. Recently, buzz has surmounted around the Bulls and Lakers in possible trade talks about swapping forward Carlos Boozer and point guard C.J. Watson for Gasol, but there are multiple reasons why Los Angeles won’t bite on this deal.

First and foremost, Boozer presents a salary cap obstacle for the Lakers. The Lakers do not want to under take the three years and $47.1 million left on Boozers contract as the Chicago Tribune reports. They already have a steep luxury tax, and with the restrictions tightening in 2013-14, the Lakers would like to avoid having to pay more in the long run.

Additionally, Boozer’s production in Chicago has tailed off since he signed his deal. He’s averaging just 15.6 points and 8.1 rebounds per game this season, which is significantly off his career averages of 17.2 and 10.0 rebounds per contest. At age 30, Boozer is likely to be in the declining stages of his career.

And while Gasol is a year older at 31, he still averages better numbers than Boozer this season. His 16.6 points and 10.4 rebounds put him just ahead of Boozer as far as efficiency goes. He also blocks three times as many shots as Boozer does (1.4 per game to Boozer’s 0.4)

Gasol is simply the more polished player. He’s a better rebounder, scorer and defender than Boozer. Trading Gasol for Boozer would be like trading in a BMW for a Volkswagen. The deal wouldn’t make any sense.

The Lakers do have a need for a point guard, but there are way better options on the market without having to give up a star like Gasol. L.A. should pursue players like Raymond Felton and Kyle Lowry before even considering moving the former All-Star power forward.