The Lakers are combing the trade market for an athletic power forward who fits Mike D’Antoni’s system, though it isn’t clear how high they’re aiming. If LA is looking for a premium player in return for Pau Gasol, league sources say Gasol’s trade value has plummeted to the point where such a deal is unrealistic. Also, rival executives are skeptical that the Lakers would be willing to cut into future cap space, especially with an Eastern Conference executive telling CBSSports.com this week that “everyone knows” 2015 free agent Kevin Love wants to sign with LA.
The recent Kevin Love rumors involving the forward’s interest in signing with the Lakers in the near future is intriguing, but the Lakers making a swap for Love in exchange for Gasol before the deadline might be a stretch.
At this point in time, the Lakers appear unable to move Gasol for an asset of value. Love’s name will likely continue to surface in trade rumors and could be linked to the Lakers moving forward, but there’s no telling if a deal can get done.
As for Gasol’s future, the writing is on the wall in Los Angeles. The Lakers will likely either find a trade partner for Gasol before the deadline on Feb. 20 or simply let him walk in free agency this summer.
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Coach D’Antoni Jokes National Anthem Is Jinxing The Team
