Lakers Trade Rumors: Best Possible Deadline Deals for Pau Gasol
Pau Gasol has been mentioned in trade rumors for months, but he remains a member of the Los Angeles Lakers as the trade deadline approaches. Even though the Lakers have been active in their search to rejuvenate a stagnant lineup, no moves have been made yet.
Let's look at three teams that have been linked to Gasol and the chances a deal could get done before the deadline passes later today.
Houston continues to have the best pieces to get a deal done. Los Angeles should be seeking a point guard upgrade in any deal for Gasol, and one name that was mentioned is Kyle Lowry. He would be a nice base for a Gasol trade.
Luis Scola would also be involved in the deal, so the Lakers wouldn't be forced to have a significant hole at power forward. There have been mixed messages about this trade from both sides, but deadline day usually leads to talks becoming more serious to get a definitive answer.
Since it seems to help out both sides, don't be surprised if the idea heats back up sometime during the day. If Gasol moves, the Rockets seem like the most likely destination.
The Bulls were reportedly making a late charge to land Gasol. They were probably hoping to sneak in late to snag him at a reasonable price, but the Lakers weren't willing to lower their standards. That doesn't mean a trade isn't possible, though.
Carlos Boozer wouldn't be enough to land Gasol by himself. A likely scenario that could spark further negotiations is to get a third team involved. If the Bulls are able to find another trade partner to add a point guard to the mix, a deal is possible.
Any deal between Los Angeles and Chicago will be dependent on exactly how interested the Bulls are in Gasol. Were they simply trying to land a bargain, or are they serious about getting him? If it's the latter, anything is possible.
Boston remains a long shot but can't completely ruled out. The Lakers said they wouldn't deal Gasol in a trade for Rajon Rondo, but continued poor play from Derek Fisher might force Mitch Kupchak to reconsider his stance.
Danny Ainge has stated Rondo will stay with the team, but front office executives will say basically anything near the deadline to improve leverage. Until the deadline comes and goes, take everything you read with a grain of salt.
Gasol and Rondo would be a good starting point if the teams restart talks at some point during the day. Things would have to move quickly to work out the details, however, and time is running out.
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