There has been trade speculation surrounding the Lakers since the team’s reality was clearly not aligning with expectations of this team this season. Trade rumors have heated up with the struggles of Dwight Howard and Pau Gasol. Due to his injury that will sideline him for several more weeks, trading Gasol would be very, very tough if management chose to go that route.
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However, that doesn’t seem to be in the plans for the Lakers, who also reportedly assured Howard that they do not plan to trade him this season. According to Ramona Shelburne of ESPNLA:
“The Los Angeles Lakers have no immediate plans to add a free agent big man to help fill in their suddenly depleted front court, a source told ESPNLosAngeles.com on Monday. The Lakers have been discussing their options since Pau Gasol suffered a tear in the plantar fascia of his right foot. The situation is still being evaluated, and much depends on how much Dwight Howard is able to contribute with his injured shoulder, but for now, the Lakers are sitting tight.”
Therefore, it seems as if the team may need to collectively fill the void that Pau Gasol leaves, at least for now. The Lakers have one roster spot available to sign a free agent to either a 10-day contract or for the rest of the season. Some of the big men that are available as free agents right now include Kenyon Martin, Greg Oden and Louis Amundson. However, it seems as if the Lakers are planning to stick with what they have, for now.