NBA rumors: Trade talks between Lakers, Cavaliers stall

For the past few days, rumors have suggested the Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers were in discussions to complete a trade package centered around a Pau Gasol–Andrew Bynum swap.

That no longer appears to be likely as Brian Windhorst of ESPN reports the talks have stalled:

"Talks between the Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers about a trade involving Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum have stalled, sources told ESPN.com.The deal is not dead but it is no longer progressing. The Cavs, who have until Jan. 7 to trade Bynum before his contract becomes guaranteed and loses its instant value in a trade, are now actively seeking other options."

It’s been reported that the Cavaliers have been long interested in Gasol – even talking to the Lakers about acquiring him during the past offseason, but their reluctance to part with a first round pick as requested by the Lakers may have all but broken up the deal.

Los Angeles has little reason to give Bynum away and considering they’d like just waive him for salary relief, they’d need more than just salary relief in a possible trade.

The teams only have a few more days to work something out before Cleveland likely waives Bynum for financial flexibility.