After weeks of discussion, the Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers could not reach a trade that centered around Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum.
Although the Lakers were looking for a young prospect or first round draft pick, the Cavaliers felt they were helping Los Angeles by saving them approximately $20 million in salary and luxury taxes. While there were still discussions today before the Cavaliers ultimately traded for Luol Deng, the Lakers were concerned about the negative feedback according to Fox Sports’ Sam Amico:
Following FOXSports report, sources say #Lakers were concerned about negative feedback in dealing Gasol w/out scorer, big or PG in return.
— Sam Amico (@SamAmicoFSO) January 7, 2014
Since the Lakers were adamant about a young prospect or first round pick, the Cavaliers decided to ship Bynum and three draft picks in exchange for Deng:
Going back to #Lakers angle, again, source says they were adament about receiving major player or pick from #Cavs. It wasn't gonna happen.
— Sam Amico (@SamAmicoFSO) January 7, 2014
Although Gasol remains a Laker, the trade rumors will continue to circulate until the trade deadline in February. While he has played well since returning from an upper respiratory infection, it appears the Lakers are looking to save money and are attempting to get a young asset in return.
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