Gasol's style has never really meshed with head coach Mike D'Antoni's game plan, but he put up fantastic numbers in January: 20.8 points, 11.9 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.7 blocks per game. His current streak of 10 games with at least 20 points is the longest of his career.
But his strong play has not translated into success on the court, as the Lakers are making history with their prolific losing. This presents an ideal sell-high opportunity for the streaking Gasol as he wallows his way through his 13th season.
Without a healthy Kobe Bryant, who is still recovering from a knee injury, the Lakers are punchless. Gasol can only do so much, and the offense often depends on the felicity of Nick Young and Jodie Meeks' long-range shooting.
While the Lakers do not require a complete rebuild, their roster does need renovation if they seek more postseason success for the 35-year-old Bryant.
And it's not just the Lakers who are eager to get trading, as ESPN's Marc Stein explained that the Suns are motivated to move Okafor as well:
The Suns are known to be shopping Okafor's contract aggressively in advance of the trade deadline as a means for whoever acquires the 31-year-old to potentially save more than $5 million in salary payouts thanks to the insurance coverage.
Bringing in Gasol would immediately add a veteran presence in the frontcourt to tutor second-year center Miles Plumlee and rookie Alex Len. He would also bring the savvy earned through two NBA titles.
In his nine-year career, Okafor has averaged 12.3 points and 9.9 rebounds and 1.7...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
