Los Angeles Lakers: Why LA Should Trade Pau Gasol in the Offseason

What uniform will Pau Gasol be wearing come 2012-13?

That is a question that may get answered during the offseason as the trade deadline has come and gone.

It seems that the Los Angeles Lakers may have to make a decision soon on whether to hold onto Andrew Bynum or Pau Gasol.

It almost seemed that Pau Gasol would be wearing a different uniform by now as the Lakers were looking to make changes geared toward the future at the trade deadline. However, they were able to bring in Ramon Sessions (along with Christian Eyenga) from the Cleveland Cavaliers and move the contract of Luke Walton in the process.

The Lakers could decide to build for the future during the offseason, when other teams are more open to making trades.

With the emergence of Andrew Bynum (All-Star starting center this year), it almost seems as if the Lakers may have to think hard about moving Gasol. Bynum is a lot younger than Gasol and despite knee issues will get better as time goes on.

Gasol may be an “older” player, but he still has value around the league as he is a true center and a gifted passer for somebody his size. He can also play at both the power forward and center spots, which can be used to create mismatches.

There will be multiple suitors for Gasol during the offseason since it's quite possible that Dwight Howard will remain with the Magic after opting-in on the final year of his contract.

What Los Angeles decides to do with Pau Gasol will be a major story this summer as the Lakers prepare for the future.