Lakers Trade Rumors: L.A. Is Clueless If They Pass on Pau Gasol-Josh Smith Swap

L.A. apparently doesn’t approve of taking candy from babies.

According to the latest trade rumors, the Los Angeles Lakers have been proposed a lopsided deal that would catapult them back into championship contention. If they fail to accept such a beneficial offer, Jim Buss’ ability to build a contender would be in serious doubt—if it isn’t already, of course.

Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times reported that the Atlanta Hawks are “aggressively” attempting to trade Josh Smith to the Lakers for Pau Gasol.

First off, if the Hawks simply offered Smith for Pau straight up, Los Angeles should pull the trigger. While Smith isn’t as long as Gasol, he’s a superior athlete and defender. More importantly, Smith is five years younger than the Spaniard.

But Smith wouldn’t be the only player L.A. would receive in such a swap. The salaries don’t match up. Atlanta must include Marvin Williams or Zaza Pachulia to make the deal work—two frontcourt players who would dramatically improve the Lakers’ bench.

And then there’s the Hawks’ 23rd overall pick. Bresnahan doesn’t mention the selection being offered in the potential trade, but he does stress that L.A. has been in hot pursuit of a first-round pick. If it’s included, Los Angeles would be in position to upgrade the point guard position with Marquis Teague or Tony Wroten, or at small forward with Quincy Miller.

On top of all that, guess who is Smith’s best friend?

Dwight. Howard.

If anyone could convince D12 to demand a trade to Hollywood, it’d be Smith. And the Lakers would still have Andrew Bynum, Devin Ebanks and Steve Blake to offer the Orlando Magic again for Howard’s services.

Trading Gasol for Smith isn’t just L.A.’s ticket to becoming younger, deeper and more athletic. It’s also their best shot to persuade Howard to agree to sign a long-term deal with the Lakers—which, coincidentally, would also make them even younger, deeper and more athletic…and 2013 NBA Finals favorites.

David Daniels is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer.

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