Pau Gasol Reportedly No Longer on Trade Block
It seems like Pau Gasol has been on the Lakers' trading block for the past several seasons, but he's always ended up staying in LA. This year, reportedly, will be no different according to ESPN.com's Marc Stein and Ramona Shelburne.
Sources close to the situation have told ESPN.com that the Lakers did debate trading Gasol but have been impressed with his play of late.
According to those same sources, the Lakers are content with keeping Gasol through this season, but are still assessing whether or not to re-sign him. The 33-year-old will become an unrestricted free agent in July.
With Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash injured, Gasol has arguably become the Lakers' best offensive option on the court. He has scored 14 or more points in the last six games he has played and recorded two double-doubles in the process.
"Pau's an all-star, he's one of the best players in the league," Lakers coach Mike D'Antoni told Stein and Shelburne.
The Lakers will need Gasol to not only stay in the purple and gold but continue to stay on his recent hot streak as long as he can in order to climb the ranks of the Western Conference.
Jerry West Impressed with Mike D'Antoni
The Lakers are fourth in the Pacific Division and 10th in the Western Conference. It's really no surprise some are wondering about Mike D'Antoni's job security. Former LA general manager Jerry West is not among those people, however.
West told NBC Sports' Dan Patrick on The Dan Patrick Show (via The Los Angeles Times) that he thinks "Mike D'Antoni has done an unbelievable job."
"I can't b...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
