Although Los Angeles Lakers power forward Pau Gasol is declining in production, he can still be valuable to several teams in the clubhouse and in the paint
UPDATE: (01/05 2:20 pm PT): Maalik Wayns and Seth Curry, both mentioned below as potential trade targets in a Gasol deal due to their contracts becoming guaranteed Tuesday, have been released by the Clippers and Grizzlies respectively, according to ESPN’s Marc Stein:
Usually for the Los Angeles Lakers, finding teams that would welcome Pau Gasol would be a piece of cake. A 2-time NBA champion, 4-time NBA All-Star, Rookie of the Year, and a leader in the locker room, Gasol is beginning the twilight of his career.
Gasol’s resume speaks for itself. However, recent lack of production, questionable decisions including sitting out while his team is struggling, and his drop in numbers have Gasol’s trade value down.
Let’s be honest Lakers fans, every game we complain about his toughness, aggressiveness, heart and effort, which has Laker fans ready and prepared to part ways with Gasol. Although the Lakers aren’t getting All-Star numbers from the Hall of Fame-bound big man, another team in a championship run or with young players needing a positive, championship-experienced voice in the locker room could definitely use Gasol.
Here are 5 teams that could use Gasol, and why they have interest in acquiring the Lakers power forward:
Why? He would be a perfect power forward in that system with the current players on the Rockets. Gasol could space the floor for James Harden and Dwight Howard and all the shooters around him. With his great passing ability and touch around the rim, I could see him being very productive if he were to go to Houston. Gasol can still put up decent numbers himself, which adds more of an offensive threat. Also, Dwight and Pau had good chemistry during Howard’s one year stint in Los Angeles. If any team could maximize what Gasol has left, it’s the Rockets.
The Rockets have youth and depth, and would be willing to part with a high-level, late-round draft pick, which the Lakers are reportedly seeking in any deal for Gasol. Additionally, Omer Asik‘s displeasure with playing 2nd fiddle to Howard has been made public, so replacing him with Gasol would balance locker room chemistry, and the Lakers could use Asik down low.
Why? Think about The Spanish National team. Ricky Rubio and the Gasol brothers have years of experience playing together. Being teamed up with his brother Marc and being on a possible contending team, this might be the kick start Pau needs to salvage his declining career.
And imagine how much ticket sales would go up – after all at the end of the day, the NBA is a business. A veteran guard like Tony Allen could run the Lakers’ offense, while youth like Seth Curry (and his soon-to-be-guaranteed contract) or Quincy Pondexter could provide a base for the future.
Why? Because the Clippers have a thing for old, former Lakers players that can still contribute…something (Matt Barnes, Antawn, Jamison, Lamar Odom, etc.). Maximizing his ability by playing him behind Blake Griffin would give them a great kick off the bench. The only question about that is would Gasol buy into the bench role. After all, his resume speaks for itself. With a great coach in Doc Rivers, and a shot at a championship, I believe Gasol would embrace the role for the bigger picture.
Maalik Wayns (also has a guarantee in his contract Tuesday) and Byron Mullens are options in a trade on a seemingly bottomless Clippers bench.
Why? Recently, it was reported by multiple sources the Lakers were looking to swap Gasol for Andrew Bynum. If LA makes the trade, it could possibly save them more than $20 million in luxury tax and salary, giving them even more flexibility this summer. Cleveland wouldn’t be contenders with the addition of Gasol, but Cavs fans will appreciate him way more than they did Bynum. Gasol is a huge productive upgrade over the uninspired play and bad knees of Bynum – which is the attraction for the Cavs. The Lakers are requiring a serviceable veteran or high draft pick in exchange for Pau, and the Cavs have both.
Jarret Jack and Alonzo Gee fit the bill for veteran status and talent, respectively. The Lakers have serious interest in Dion Waiters, but reportedly the Cavs are unwilling to part with him. Plus, the Cavs have been basement dwellers since LeBron James unceremoniously ditched them for South Beach, so a high draft pick is within reason.
Although it will be tough to see Gasol go, it now seems it’s not a matter of if, but a matter of when. Throughout all the years of the Pau trade rumors, he’s remained a Laker. Times are different now. The team is struggling constantly, young talent is needed, and a change is bound to come. Gasol is the key to that move happening. Whether it is a trade to get a better, younger start. Or if they trade him to save money. He’s going. The Lakers realize he still has some value left are actually calling teams discussing potential trades. The Lakers could use a change, Gasol could use a fresh start, and us Laker fans are ready for improvement.
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