A Gasol swap puts the Lakers and their fans on notice that the franchise is transitioning into a new era. Indeed, the skilled big man helped the Purple and Gold reach the NBA Finals three times in a row.
Thus, his exit becomes a clear sign that the front office is looking into the future of the franchise.
According to Hoopworld, the Lakers are projected to have a boatload of cap space in the 2014 offseason. This is not by accident. Per ESPN.com, the Lakers plan to make a pitch at LeBron James that summer if the superstar exercises the early termination clause in his contract.
It stands to reason the Lakers are planning on remaining relevant between now and then. Consequently, tweaking the roster is perhaps the best to go about that after a mediocre 2012-13 regular season.
The Lakers’ biggest trade chip is Gasol and there are multiple potential packages for Mitch Kupchak to consider.
One has to wonder though: What are the pros and cons of sending away the Spaniard?
Glad you asked…
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Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers