But that might be for the best.
Most importantly, the Lakers have no other viable options at the center position. Jordan Hill has proven to be a solid player this year, with a fantastic 21.7 PER in limited playing time.
But after that, there isn't much. Chris Kaman is not a reliable scorer (8.2 PPG) or the solid defensive player he once was. There are also only two power forwards on the roster: Shawne Williams and Ryan Kelly, neither of whom have shown the scoring touch or a solid inside presence.
While the Lakers' winning prospects obviously aren't in great shape this season, they would be in trouble in the future if they were to get rid of Gasol. They need to hold onto their best big man to ensure they have a solid inside game when they do finish rebuilding.
Granted, Gasol is 33 years old. He likely has no more than five productive years ahead of him. But the Lakers should use those five years to their full capacity, and there is a good chance they will have a solid team within those five years anyway. That is, of course, assuming the Lakers re-sign Gasol, an option in which the Lakers center has shown interest.
There's also the matter of what the Lakers can possibly get for Gasol. The most likely trade option, Andrew Bynum, is now going to the Bulls.
It really comes down to whether the Lakers want to make a trade that puts them on the short end of the stick, in terms of the talent they would receive, for the sole purpose of leaving the team in a better situation financially.
Gasol is also a key player in the Lakers' offensive...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
