Don't get me wrong here. The Gasol situation is important and needs to be resolved soon. That being said, other rumors are getting overlooked because of the constant updates regarding the team's star center.
The 14-19 Lakers are in need of some help, and they'll take it from anywhere they can get it at this point. With Kobe Bryant out due to a fracture in his left knee, L.A. will need more firepower to keep this team afloat while he heals up. Even when he returns, there's no telling what he'll be able to give.
Look for L.A. to be active ahead of the Feb. 20 trade deadline. Here are a few rumors to monitor up until then.
Pau Gasol
Brian Windhorst and Ramona Shelburne of ESPN.com reported on Dec. 31 that the Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers were discussing a swap of Gasol and Andrew Bynum.
This would allow the Lakers to shed Gasol's contract, and by waiving Bynum, would rid them of a ton of cash heading into the upcoming offseason. However, the progression of these talks have been slow-moving at best.
Shelburne gave the latest update on the swap on Jan. 5:
Plus, Marc Stein of ESPN admits that a one-for-one swap technically wouldn't even work financially.
Gasol has played poorly this season—perhaps the worst he's ever played throughout his 13-year NBA career. He's shooting a career-low 44.9 percent from the floor with 15.3 points and 9.5 boards per night.
It's obvious that he's not the same player he was when he first came to the Lakers back in 2007-08, and the team seems determined to deal him prior to his impending free agency after the season.
Hedo Turkoglu
Hedo Tur...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
