NBA Rumors: LA Lakers Shouldn't Break Up Core Lineup

Despite plenty of trade speculation for the Los Angeles Lakers, the team should try to win a championship this season with its current lineup.

Since the end of the season, reports of possible trades involving Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol have not stopped. After the Lakers acquired point guard Steve Nash, in fact, the rumors seemed to only increase.

According to Jackie Pepper, formerly of Comcast SportsNet, the team is not only interested in Dwight Howard, but management has already informed one player that he might be part of the package deal for the All-Star.

However, a conflicting report from ESPNLA.com's Dave McMenamin suggests that Los Angeles wants to keep its core in place after the Nash deal.

"

Pau or Bynum trade the next shoe to drop after Nash? Not so fast. Source tells me Lakers intend to keep core intact to play with Nash

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) July 5, 2012"

This might end up being the best plan for the Lakers.

Howard has previously stated that he will not sign a long-term extension with any team other than the Brooklyn Nets. While Los Angeles can try to get him to change his mind, the odds are not in their favor.

Instead, the team would be risking trading one of the best young centers in the game in Bynum for another one who might be only a one-year rental. This does not seem worth the risk.

Los Angeles already has one of the best frontcourts in the league. Last season, Bynum and Gasol combined for 36.1 points and 22.2 rebounds per game, neither one of which seems to be slowing down in their career.

Gasol knows the delicate situation he is in, but still seems encouraged by his chances of playing with Nash. He said in a video chat on Twitter (via the LA Times):

"

I’m excited to play with Steve and with all that brings. The player is more generous and less selfish than there are in the NBA. It is also one of the assists historical leaders.

Unfortunately I can not control my destiny but I would love to keep the Lakers and will fight the most to try to win another ring.

"

The main reason for the team's shortcomings last season was the lack of a true point guard. Ramon Sessions was certainly an improvement over the combination of Steve Blake and Derek Fisher, but he is still not in the same league as Steve Nash. Even at this stage of his career, Nash fills out what could be the best starting lineup in the NBA.

With the lineup as it is, the Lakers should be immediate contenders. Adding Howard would improve the defense, but a trade would likely cost too much and it might not be worth the risk.

Instead, they should keep the team together and try to win for the next few years.

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