Mitch Kupchak said he hopes that the Lakers have enough flexibility to have Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol

Apr 9, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers power forward Pau Gasol (16) and shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24) in the second half against the New Orleans Hornets at the Staples Center. Lakers won 104-96. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak said he hopes that the Lakers have enough flexibility to have both Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol.

"“We’re in a cycle. We’re hopeful that within a year from now, we’ll have enough flexibility. We’re hopeful that Pau and Kobe can continue to play and we’ll have options to rebuild the team.” Kupchak told ESPN LA."

Of course the Lakers are in a cycle and are looking at options to rebuild the team. Kobe only has at least 2-3 seasons tops left in him and we have no idea how long the Lakers actually intend to keep Pau Gasol around. If they are looking to rebuild, their best option could possibly trading Gasol, getting something back that’s completely worth it.

Should the Lakers trade Pau Gasol? I hope not, but Gasol’s level of play hasn’t really been that great since their last championship run. We all know how big of a competitor Bryant is, I just don’t see that anymore in Gasol’s eyes.

Nobody ever likes making a decision between two star players, but in this case if the Lakers had to make a decision, Pau Gasol would be the one gone.

Will this happen? Nobody knows yet, Gasol’s contract expires this season, so this may be the year that the Los Angeles Lakers trade the veteran power forward.

Gasol will get $19.2 million this year, then he’ll be an unrestricted free agent next summer.

The Lakers are also hoping that Kobe will take a bit of a pay cut, which will help them attract other free agents in the future.

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