261 replies to this topic

[True Lakers Fan]

http://network.yardb...814?widget=true

[True Lakers Fan]

http://network.yardbarker.com/author/article_external/11457814?widget=true

The Los Angeles Lakers positioned themselves as title contenders with the acquisition of All-Star center Dwight Howard last week. Along with the addition of Steve Nash, Los Angeles has had a successful offseason, to say the least. However, could there be another deal on the horizon?

The Lakers have tried to move Pau Gasol in several deals, but the veteran forward ultimately was left out of the blockbuster deal that sent Howard to L.A. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that a trade had been in the works to send Gasol to the Atlanta Hawks for Josh Smith, who has voiced his desire to be moved several times. The deal fell through when the Lakers were said to want another quality player in addition to Smith.

A Smith for Gasol swap makes sense for both teams. With Smith potentially leaving in free agency next year, the Hawks will look to get some value back before he walks. Gasol is a proven, quality big man, and would be good value for a potential rental of Smith. Many teams will be reluctant to take on Smith with the fear of him leaving for nothing, so receiving Gasol back may be the best package they can receive.

For the Lakers, the deal makes sense on multiple fronts. With Kobe Bryant, Nash and Gasol, Los Angeles is one of the oldest teams in the league. With Howard reopening the championship window, the Lakers could be looking to secure more pieces for the future, and Smith is only 26 years old. Smith and Howard are also said to be friends, which could help secure new deals with both players should Smith be traded to the Lakers. A frontcourt tandem of Smith and Howard would be one of the most defensively dominant duos in NBA history. While Gasol’s outside touch may be a better fit offensively, the defensive combination is hard to resist.

The Lakers have already positioned themselves for the present, but securing Smith would potentially set Los Angeles for the foreseeable future as well.

[LakeShow805]

Is Mitch at it again?

[bfc1125roy]

The title's a bit misleading. They aren't "looking" at him in the present tense. Either way, I'd rather keep Pau he fits in better on the offensive end.

[lodom7]

I'd rather have Pau with Nash and Howard, also Pau is the much better individual player

[JSaber20]

http://network.yardbarker.com/author/article_external/11457814?widget=true

Already have thread for this but yeah there's no real sources there. Bleacher Report speculated on it too.

[alec613]

http://network.yardbarker.com/author/article_external/11457814?widget=true

I can see that happening. But as for now: Gasol > Smith.

Lol, I'd rather see Gasol shoot 3s than Smith

Edited by alec613, August 15, 2012 - 04:40 PM.

[popo]

Yard barker lmo Fail thread

[True Lakers Fan]

My bad guys, It was posted on LN homepage

[magicbalala245]

Clicked the link and I saw the rant sports logo and I was out not believing this rumor.

[Majesty]

Already have thread for this but yeah there's no real sources there. Bleacher Report speculated on it too.

there's no real sources there. Bleacher Report speculated on it too.

no real sources there.

no real sources

sources

[Windu]

do it

[popo]

do it

They made that offer but Lakers wanted Teague as well

[Windu]

I know. Drop the desire for Teague

[Obsidien]

Doubt this rumor has legs to it. I honestly don't know enough about Smith to weigh in on this, but I imagine that if Kobe was serious about keeping Gasol then I think the Laker office will consider keeping him.

[Obsidien]

So LOL, thanks for that Majesty....hilarious

[last stand 2.0]

honestly your splitting hairs with this trade. both guys are going to be 4th options so its just a matter of which guy compliments the other 3 better.

pau compliments everyone offensively much better

josh compliments everyone defensively much better

what kind of team are we trying to be is the real question

[alec613]

I'd like Mitch to pursue Josh Smith, but at the same time I don't want him to.

Reasons why I don't want Mitch pursuing Jsmoove:
1) me getting attached to Pau who's been very vocal at wanting to remain a Laker
2) Smith is a downgrade to Pau
3) Smith is a terrible 3pt shooter who wants to shoot 3s (3pts) Hell, even Pau is better at that
4) He's a headcase

Reasons why I want Mitch to pursuse JSmoove:
1) Howard + Smith = crazy defense
2) He's 26 ; therefore, great for La's future

Edited by alec613, August 15, 2012 - 04:53 PM.

[bigfetz]

1 this is complete speculation and I highly doubt were looking at josh smith anymore.

2. I think were fine without the guy right now. I think if were gonna go for him then lets get him next year rather than this year. I think gasol will be better fit for us this year than josh but next year I think is when your gonna see a huge decline in gasols play.

[kfreud]

There's no reason to piss Kobe off by trading for a marginally better player. The only way this happens is if Gasol doesn't play well leading up to the trade deadline.