With the current NBA season nearing its end, the time will come for the Lakers front office to sit down and analyze what next season will look like, specifically with the team's roster. As is customary with every offseason, the possibility of moves being made is certainly inevitable, especially for a team that is struggling to find the right pieces to ensure long-term success.
One of the moves the team could make is probably the most speculated one; this offseason could very well see the much-anticipated departure of Pau Gasol. While one could make the argument that Gasol has indeed gained some significant momentum to make a case for him to stay in LA, the Lakers brass may be thinking about the Spanish forward's future.
Gasol is 32 years old, which, in basketball years, is practically old enough to receive a pension. With Gasol nearing in age, he has $19 million coming to him when this season is over, with roughly about the same amount expected to be paid to him in 2013-14.
If the Lakers could find a team that would be willing to take on that large salary, it would certainly make a dent in their attempt at balancing a proper financial situation and could possibly give them the opening they need to keep Dwight Howard in purple and gold for years to come.
Alongside Gasol, we could be seeing smaller names leave and, in turn, saving LA some money.
If the Lakers were to cut more dispensable players such as Devin Ebanks and Darius Morris, they could clear up about $3 million in cap space and add that $3 million to the "Keep D12 Happy" fund.
Other potential names that could easily depart the Lakers at season's end inclu...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
