Gasol's numbers this year—12.7 points and 8.2 rebounds per game in an average of 33.5 minutes a night—are not worthy of his two-year contract worth $38.285 million. It is certainly fair to call his performance thus far a disappointment.
He has missed time with a concussion, more time with knee tendinitis and was even reduced to a reserve role in L.A.'s most recent game against Memphis. I personally disagree with the notion that Gasol is more valuable off the bench, and Grantland's Bill Simmons believes the same.
Remember when Team USA was double-teaming Earl Clark in the 2012 Gold Medal game and still couldn't stop him? Oh wait that was Pau Gasol.
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) January 22, 2013
Having said that, the Lakers are a team looking for answers, and Pau has been the most vulnerable target of criticism and blame.
Here are three reasons why a potential Gasol deal wouldn't get Los Angeles anywhere new or exciting.
Depth
Despite being called "soft" at times, Gasol is currently the best backup center option the Lakers have to Dwight Howard. And last time I checked, Dwight Howard isn't healthy.
Re-aggravated shoulder aside, Dwight hasn't looked fully healthy at any point this season. His explosiveness has been sub-standard, and he still seems to be recovering a bit from offseason back surgery.
If the Lakers hope to eventually regain the real Dwight for the long term—which may be in more serious jeopardy than anyone originally perceived—they need to get him healthy in a year in which they can afford it.
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Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
