Before the Los Angeles Lakers went head-to-head against the Denver Nuggets on Sunday night, Kobe Bryant talked to the media about the recent trade speculation surrounding Pau Gasol. Bryant said the following via TWCSportsNet:
“It seems like every other week there have been trade discussions. At some point you kind of get used to it.” Kobe on Pau rumors.
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) January 6, 2014
“If (Pau’s) not in trade discussions it’s not a normal season.” Kobe on Pau and the rumors.
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) January 6, 2014
On Saturday night, Gasol appeared to be traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Andrew Bynum. The deal had been in the works all week long with it seeming like only a matter of time before Gasol would be dealt, but it hadn’t kicked into high gear until Saturday.
Although reports surfaced of a trade going through, the Lakers denied the reports and were expected to make it happen before the game against the Nuggets. Obviously, that didn’t go down and many were interested in Bryant’s thoughts on the matter.
Over the past few years, Bryant has been adamant about his desire to continue playing alongside Gasol for the rest of his career. Gasol and Bryant are very close, but the team continues to gauge trade interest in the Spanish forward on an annual basis.
It may be only a matter of time before Gasol is ultimately sent elsewhere, but he’ll be in a Lakers uniform for at least one more game. Bynum’s deal may be shot with the Lakers and Cavs unable to reach a deal as of yet and the Tuesday deadline rapidly approaching.
The former Lakers center may eventually end up with the Utah Jazz in exchange for Richard Jefferson or to the Chicago Bulls in a different deal.
In the meantime, Bynum remains in Cleveland and Gasol is still in Los Angeles.
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