There is no package of players that will make the Lakers better than they are right now, considering that it will cost them their second-best player in veteran Pau Gasol.
At 24-16, the Lakers are seven games back of the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder and just two-and-a-half games back of the No. 2-seeded San Antonio Spurs. LA is also 17-2 at home this season, making them a favorite to advance in the postseason if they can snag one of the conference's top-four records.
With Gasol, the Lakers are the best rebounding team in the league. LA brings in nearly 46 boards per night, 10.5 of which are thanks to Gasol.
Gasol is shooting 50.7 percent from the field this season despite having his name mentioned in countless trade rumors. He's also averaging 16.7 PPG while playing the most minutes of any Laker not named Kobe Bryant.
"Anybody can start up rumors. They start up small and they come out big. I can't control certain things and I'm just going to continue to do my job as best as I can. The less I hear about it, the better, but March 15 is around the corner, so one way or another I'll be here or I'll be…who knows?" - Pau Gasol via the Los Angeles Times
Despite almost being traded to the Houston Rockets before the season even began for Chris Paul, Gasol has given his all to the Lakers' cause, and since made Lamar Odom look as unprofessional and sensitive as ever before.
The supremely talented power forward belongs with the Lakers and is every bit the reason why they have won two of the past three NBA championships. The one-two punch that Gasol provides alongside the Black Mamba is one of the most unique...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
