ESPN's Chris Broussard first reported that there could be a possible deal between the Lakers and the New York Knicks:
The Lakers recently called the Knicks to express their interest in Iman Shumpert, according to sources close to the situation. No trade is imminent, and sources say the Lakers' call was more about doing their due diligence; it's well-known Shumpert is available.
Broussard also reports that Los Angeles was considering a trade between Pau Gasol and Tyson Chandler.
This deal between centers has gotten more attention due to the fact that it would be a blockbuster trade between two All-Stars. However, the Lakers have to stop adding players that do not fit into Mike D'Antoni's system.
Bill Plaschke of the Los Angeles Times recently quoted Gasol voicing his concerns with the style of play:
The fact that I'm not getting the ball in the post affects directly my aggressiveness. When I'm not getting the ball where I want to, where I'm most effective, where I can bang guys and utilize my skill, that affects my aggressiveness and overall intensity.
Additionally, veteran Chris Kaman has also been less than pleased with his role on the team, via ESPN's Ramona Shelburne:
Although Chandler provides value on the defensive end, he would once again be a back-to-the-basket center who would struggle to keep up in the fast-paced system.
Instead of cluttering the frontcourt, the Lakers should clear things up by dealing Gasol for a player who could actually help out on both sides of the ball, like Shumpert.
Primarily, the third-year player provides something that the Lakers have lacked for a few years: athleticism. He ...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
