There is less than a week left before the NBA trade deadline and the consensus around the league is that the Los Angeles Lakers are preparing to make a move, whether it is big or small. The minor move might be the most beneficial at this point by trying to acquire a point guard like Ramon Sessions, Raymond Felton or Kirk Hinrich, but the Lakers seem to be leaning towards making a substantial deal in which forward Pau Gasol will most likely be sent packing.
With the Lakers struggling over the last two games against two of the worst teams in the league (Washington Wizards, Detroit Pistons), a trade is looking more and more likely. The real question is whether or not the team should trade arguably their second-best player before or on the March 15 NBA trade deadline.
If the Lakers do decide to trade the Spanish forward, they will be expecting to receive a young star in return like Rajon Rondo, Deron Williams or Kyle Lowry. The Lakers are also continuing monitor the Dwight Howard situation in Orlando and whether or not the Magic is willing to make a deal before the deadline. That could be the main reason for Los Angeles denying recent trade proposals to acquire Ramon Sessions and Michael Beasley for draft picks.
Over the next six days, there is bound to be numerous new trade rumors circulating around the league about players like Dwight Howard, Deron Williams, Rajon Rondo and Pau Gasol. Whether or not any blockbuster deal goes down remains to be seen, but chances are that the Lakers will pull the trigger on a trade. The size of the trade is up for debate as it is unclear at this point if the Lakers will go all out and try to pull off a blockbuster or stick with minor moves to improve multiple positions.
Personally, the Lakers should make minor moves before the deadline. Acquiring Sessions, Felton and or Beasley would instantly improve this team in the backcourt and at small forward. Not only would their best upgrades at two different positions, but the offense would get a much needed boost while keeping Pau Gasol.
Unfortunately, the consensus seems to be that Gasol will be dealt before the deadline. Let’s just hope the deal involving the versatile forward is a step forward instead of two steps back.
