Lakers Rumors: Is Package Centered Around Pau Gasol Enough to Land Chris Paul?
The Lakers are back in the thick of Chris Paul negotiations, dangling a package headlined by Pau Gasol, but it is unclear whether or not that will be enough.
Gasol is one of the league's best players and would keep the Hornets competitive while giving them a star to surround a supporting cast with. That being said, New Orleans is more focused on receiving a combination of youth and draft picks, something the Clippers can provide, but the Lakers cannot.
Despite being a top-20 player, Gasol is 31 and doesn't come with the type of shelf life the Hornets would embrace. Is he talented enough to lead New Orleans? Sure, but age is a monstrous factor to the Hornets. Keep in mind they vetoed a deal that would have landed them both Kevin Martin and Luis Scola because they weren't young enough.
New Orleans could still welcome Gasol onto the roster, but only if he is accompanied by the proper number of younger assets. Even then, their first inclination may be to flip him for an adequate number of other assets.
This really isn't about whether or not Gasol is talented enough to land Paul, because his numbers suggest that he is. It is about meeting the conditions set forth by the Hornets, who have made it clear that immediate impact is not as important as youth and promise.
Does Gasol boast youth? No. Is he a promising acquisition? Not in the way New Orleans would prefer. He is a proven talent that is headlining a package for a team that craves potential, not certainty.
Who would have thought that being a perennial All-Star would actually hurt one's trade value?
Based on the standards that New Orleans has set, the Lakers are left to try and find young players, as well as draft picks, to package with Gasol, or get a third team to take Gasol in exchange for send the Hornets what they crave.
So, is a package centered around Gasol enough to land Paul. No, but not for lack of the power forward's ability.
Given what the they seek in return for their star point guard, even if Gasol winds up with the Hornets, he will not be the headlining attraction that motivates New Orleans to pull the trigger.
You can follow Dan Favale on Twitter @Dan_Favale.
