Ever since the Lakers won the title back in 2010, Pau Gasol has been involved in every trade rumor the Lakers have been in. With Dwight Howard gone, Kobe hurt, and low expectations, it is widely assumed that the Lakers will just ride this season out, and keep Gasol. He is an expiring contract, so they could use his cap space next summer. Well, according to Sam Amico of Fox Sports, it seems as if they may still try and move him:
"One Eastern Conference executive told FOX Sports Ohio he’s heard from the Lakers recently, and word around the league is they may try to make a “substantial” trade before the regular season. Apparently, forward Pau Gasol remains far from untouchable."
I don’t see it happening. Amico also said the Lakers may be trying to get a young point guard in the market to add some depth, but that doesn’t make sense, either. The Lakers would likely have to take some salary back for Gasol, and right now they are all about saving money and using cap space for the next two years. They already have a draft pick for the 2014 draft, so I don’t see the end game here. Executives will always call around to see who will give up what for a player, but that doesn’t mean he’s going to be traded.
Also, it says they are looking for a “substantial” trade, and there aren’t many teams who will give up good talent for an aging forward who can walk after this season. Gasol says he won’t take a pay cut to stay, but that’s all smoke and mirrors as well.