The Los Angeles Lakers have been surrounded by different rumors since their season ended at the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder two weeks ago. While nothing is certain, one off-season move that is expected to take place involves moving forward Pau Gasol.
There’s no question that Gasol is the team’s most movable asset, especially if they’re determined to keep Andrew Bynum. But two consecutive lackluster post-seasons may have decreased Gasol’s value in the eyes of other teams.
Still, that hasn’t stopped the rumors of a sign-and-trade between Los Angeles and the Brooklyn Nets from surfacing, in a move that would bring Deron Williams to L.A. and send Gasol to New York. ESPN’s John Hollinger talked about this possibility during his weekly chat last Thursday, and was asked whether or not he felt this move was possible.
Yes I do — if New Jersey decides to salvage with a Gasol-Deron Williams sign-and-trade. I have to think the Lakers would be partial to such a deal.
Hollinger went on to mention the amount of puzzling moves the Nets have made in the past, using them as reasoning behind the team making a move like this.
Recently, a report surfaced that stated the Nets would rather see Williams leave via free agency than exchange him for Gasol, but that may not be the case. For now, we’ll just have to wait and see.