During a flood of trade rumors this offseason, Los Angeles Lakers power forward Pau Gasol may now be able to breathe a sigh of relief knowing that he is wanted in LA.
Gasol's teammate, Kobe Bryant over the weekend was asked by a Spanish reporter on the status of Gasol and the Lakers. Bryant responded by saying: "As long as I'm there, he's going to be there."
Though signings and trades are ultimately decided by Lakers owner Jerry Buss and GM Mitch Kupchak, Bryant's endorsement likely will have an influence on where the Lakers will go from here in their pursuit of the Orlando Magic's Dwight Howard.
Now that the Lakers have acquired two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash, the Lakers might be able to keep the core intact for the foreseeable future.
It remains to be determined whether Gasol will be traded but with the right point guard it's doubtful that he will be dealt.
In the meantime, Gasol is preparing for a run at a gold medal with the Spanish national team and has Kobe and the rest of Team USA standing in his way in the upcoming 2012 Olympics Games in London.
Bryant and Team USA will play their final exhibition game on July 24 against Pau Gasol and the rest of the Spanish national team.
