Gasol has been a member of the Lakers since 2008, and was an integral part of the team's back-to-back championships in 2009 and 2010.
The power forward has seen his most success while play in Los Angeles. Through 2009 to 2011, Gasol was selected to the All-Star game every year and has been one of the most productive forwards in the league.
In the past two years, Gasol has averaged a double double and has helped to keep the Lakers relevant.
Although Gasol is aging (the Spaniard will turn 32 this summer), he is still playing at a high level. The Lakers need the production out of Gasol and his size to stay competitive in the West.
One of the most popular trade ideas is that the Lakers send Gasol to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Michael Beasley and other players or draft picks. However, this is not a good deal for the Lakers.
In fact, the Grizzlies have already offered this deal to the Lakers, and ESPN's Chris Broussard has said that Los Angeles turned the deal down.
The Lakers have to keep Gasol, especially if they expect to compete this year and in the coming years. Another option for the Lakers is to deal Gasol to the Rockets for a package deal of Luis Scola, Kevin Martin and possibly more players or picks.
This may seem like a good deal, but the Lakers would lost a lot of valuable size in Gasol if they were to make this trade.
The Lakers need to get younger, but Gasol does not need to be traded unless someone of similar size and value is available.
Take this for example: Gasol has been criticized for his play this year, but he is still among the most productive power forwards in the league. Gasol has set the bar so high for himself that people expect amazing play year after ye...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
