When Howard was traded to LA, he joined future Hall of Famers Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash, along with fellow big man, Pau Gasol.
The Lakers had a successful offseason, but they have done little to set themselves up for long-term success.
The Lakers are among the NBA's oldest teams.
Nash and Bryant only have a few good years left, and while Howard has said he will sign an extension this summer, nothing with Dwight is certain until he signs on the dotted line.
Smith is only 26 years old and could be an important part of LA's future. Also, the combination of Smith and Howard on defense would be lethal.
It is no secret that the Lakers are open to moving Gasol.
He was part of the trade that would have brought Chris Paul to the Lakers organization before it got vetoed by commissioner David Stern, and Gasol's name has also been brought up in several other deals.
Gasol is firmly on the trading block, and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution is reporting that the Lakers may be looking to move the Spanish power forward once again, in order to land Smith.
A swap of Smith for Gasol would make perfect sense.
Smith has told the Hawks that he wants a trade, and if he doesn't get it, he is likely to leave in free agency anyway.
Howard and Smith are reportedly friends, so acquiring Smith could help keep both stars in the purple and gold.
Gasol would fit in well within the Hawks offense. He would give them a lethal big man combo down low alongside Al Horford, and he has the flexibility to hit the mid-range shot.
While a third team may need to get involved because their contracts do not match up in a direct swap, it is something that...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
