NBA Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers clearing cap room to keep Pau Gasol

Jan 26, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Pau Gasol (16) shoots the ball as New York Knicks center Tyson Chandler (6) defends during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks won 110-103. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

The Los Angeles Lakers have already made one trade, dealing point guard Steve Blake to the Golden State Warriors for guards MarShon Brooks and Kent Bazemore.

The Lakers are expected to stay busy. They’ve talked to the Brooklyn Nets about sending big man Jordan Hill east in exchange for the Disabled Players’ Exception the Nets received because of Brook Lopez’s season ending injury. They have also spoken with the Cleveland Cavaliers regarding Hill and have had discussions with the Atlanta Hawks about Hill and disgruntled center Chris Kaman.

Although it looks like the Lakers may be cleaning house and making way for a Pau Gasol deal, ESPN’s Marc Stein says that is not the case at all.

Laker plan taking shape: Trade Jordan Hill and Chris kaman in next 17 hours and they get under tax AND no longer HAVE to trade Pau Gasol
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 20, 2014

Last tweet what some rival execs now expect Lakes to do. Trade Hill. Trade Kaman. Then roll w/Pau into July to re-sign or sign-and-trade him
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 20, 2014

It makes sense. The Lakers can get under the tax without losing Gasol, who has been by far their best player throughout the season. They can also attempt to keep him in the offseason, perhaps at a reasonable price.

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