Lakers Rumors: Pau Gasol Could've Been Traded Just Like Lamar Odom

If you think Kobe Bryant is upset right now, what if the Lakers had traded away Pau Gasol in the same manner as Lamar Odom? According to the LA Times, if he'd pouted like Odom then he'd have been ousted like Odom, too. According to the article, 

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Had Gasol reacted the same way Odom did, GM Mitch Kupchak says, he would have tried to find a new home for Gasol as well.

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The Lakers offseason is rapidly becoming one of the worst in its history. It's not just that they gave up Odom, it's what nearly happened and didn't. The Lakers nearly landed Chris Paul and didn't. Whatever the take on that and David Stern, it's done. Chris Paul is a Clipper not a Laker. 

The whole dimension of Gasol having other issues is disconcerting news for Laker fans. 

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"If it didn't happen this time, it might the next," Gasol says. And those who recall his troubled play in the playoffs know this is someone who struggles when he has things on his mind beyond basketball.

"I don't want the fun, the passion, the essence of the game taken away from me," he says. "But the game is turning too much to other things, the business aspect. Once you start letting that get in the way it can be hurtful."

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It's clear that Gasol is, at the very least, wounded by this. His acquisition was key to the Lakers getting to the finals three years in a row and winning two championships. Last year when Bynum was out for the first part of the season, there was even some early-season chatter for Gasol as MVP. 

Becoming trade bait so abruptly after one bad series probably doesn't sit well with All-Star forward. 

The other aspect that this brings out is that the Lakers are clearly starting to eye that luxury tap a little more than they have in the past. The owners of the league's highest payroll are looking at some monstrous taxes if they don't trim payroll, and that's clearly the direction they are headed. 

When the Lakers first shipped out Odom, it was generally perceived as a part of some master plan because that is what we have come to expect form the Lakers. However, in light of the revelation that Gasol could have been "Odomed" just as easily, it's looking like the Lakers just aren't looking to improve their team this year. 

Somehow I get the feeling that isn't going to cheer up Kobe Bryant.