Pau Gasol is not in the long-term plans for the Los Angeles Lakers and no matter how much he is contributing on the court in the absence of Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash. However, with an expiring contract to his name, teams have been working with the Lakers to try and put together a trade package for the forward before the deadline. This does not make Kobe Bryant too happy.
Bryant intends on playing two more seasons in Los Angeles after signing a $48 million extension with the team. He ideally would like those two years to be with Gasol by his side. According to NBA.com, the Lakers are considering Bryant's wishes that Gasol remain with the Lakers for the next few seasons. The two have worked well together, winning championships in both 2009 and 2010.
"When Bryant's extension was announced, Bryant made it crystal clear he'd been told by Lakers management that not only would the team be able to re-sign Gasol this summer despite Bryant's huge numbers, but also be able to add an impact free agent," writes David Aldridge of NBA.com.
It was assumed that Bryant's new contract meant the end of Gasol in Los Angeles. Even Gasol was under that belief. He was quoted by ESPN months ago saying he had no idea what his future held knowing that cap space and money would be an issue for the Lakers moving forward. Bryant can wish all he wants that Gasol stays put and maybe takes less money, but the big man is gone either by trade or free agency. Gasol wants a long-term deal worth a lot and several teams will be willing to give him that.
The Lakers have explored every single trade option regarding Gasol in recent weeks. The move most likely to happen comes with the Phoenix Suns who have offered up Emeka Okafor and draft picks in exchange for the forward. However, the deal rests on Gasol's health. He is expected to miss at least one more week after suffering a groin injury.
If the Lakers do not take the Suns' deal, Gasol will stay put. Steve Kyler of BasketballInsider.com, Phoenix has made the best offer and the only one Los Angeles is seriously considering. Gasol's $19 million salary is not helping his value. If no trade is made, he remains on the roster and exits in the offseason.
