As the losses continue to pile up for the Los Angeles Lakers, rumors about a trade of forward Pau Gasol continue to swirl. The 33-year-old forward is having a subpar season and has recently been criticized by his teammates for not playing through an upper respiratory issue.
For the last day or so, a trade centering around Gasol and former Laker and current Cleveland Cavalier center Andrew Bynum has been discussed. There was a report that the two teams were discussing the deal, but nothing was imminent. However, according to David Aldridge of NBA.com, it doesn’t sound like a deal is likely:
Hearing the Gasol-Bynum proposed deal not likely to happen.
— David Aldridge (@daldridgetnt) January 1, 2014
If the Lakers were to acquire Bynum, they’d likely waive him in an effort to save close to $20-$25 million in getting rid of Gasol. Bynum has been suspended by the Cavaliers for conduct detrimental to the team and it’s also possible he decides to retire.
At 13-19 and losers of their last six games, the Lakers find themselves slowly considering giving up on the season and trading away one of their most attractive trade pieces in Gasol. Along with criticism from players, he’s come under fire from head coach Mike D’Antoni as it’s clear his days in a Laker jersey could be coming to an end after the season.
A deadline of January 7 is set for a possible Bynum deal since he’s owed another $6 million from the Cavaliers at the time. While there’s still a week or so until a decision has to be made, it doesn’t sound like the deal is likely to happen.
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