Pau Gasol has seemingly been in trade rumors forever. The Lakers were supposedly interested in trading Gasol for Ryan Anderson from the Hornets. There was also a rumor of Amar’e Stoudemire going to the Lakers for Pau Gasol, although talks supposedly never took place.
Well, the Lakers basically said to hold the phones because they are not interested in dealing Pau Gasol. Here’s ESPN L.A. with the details.
The Los Angeles Lakers, largely at the behest of general manager Mitch Kupchak, have rebuffed trade inquiries from at least two teams for Pau Gasol, according to sources with knowledge of the Lakers’ thinking.
The Toronto Raptors and Minnesota Timberwolves have both recently tried to engage the Lakers in trade discussions for Gasol, sources told ESPN.com, but the Lakers continue to tell teams that call that they will not consider dealing the Spaniard until L.A. can fully assess its roster after the return of injured point guard Steve Nash.
According to that report and sources, the Raptors had included point guard Jose Calderon, perimeter-oriented big man Andrea Bargnani, and another perimeter-oriented big man in Linas Kleiza.
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As for the Timberwolves, they had been trying to get Gasol ever since Ricky Rubio joined the team. They had a deal that would include Derrick Williams and Nikola Pekovic. Of course, that deal wouldn’t make sense for the Lakers since they already have Dwight Howard and Mike D’Antoni needs players that can stretch the floor.
Atlanta was also in trade rumors with the Lakers, sending Josh Smith to L.A. for the Spaniard. But the Hawks didn’t want to deal for an older player with a bigger salary and balky knees.
Any trade for Gasol would definitely have to go through Kobe Bryant. Kobe has offered more public support for his teammate.
“I love Pau like a brother,” Bryant told ESPNLosAngeles.com on Tuesday before the Lakers’ loss in Houston. “I really do. I want him to dominate like I know he can.
“I want him to dig in and be determined, not discouraged,” Bryant continued. “We should go to him more on the post because he can dominate from there as he has to the tune of two rings. I’m sure we will adjust and figure out a balance when he comes back healthy.”
So on the surface, it looks like Pau Gasol will stay as a Laker. But the Lakers are known to put out a smoke screen or two as they quietly concoct their next big move. Nevertheless, we will see what happens with Pau Gasol, especially after Steve Nash returns, whenever that may be.
