With the Chris Paul sweepstakes over, the Los Angeles Lakers are left in a deep hole trying to make up ground to what their co-tenants the Clippers have accomplished by landing CP3. The Clippers might very well have the more compelling basketball team on paper, leaving even the once glamorous Lakers in the dust if they fall behind.
So the Lakers must respond in kind, right? Why not try going after Dwight Howard?
Even though LA doesn't have that many assets left with Lamar Odom gone, that doesn't mean Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol wouldn't be unappetizing to deal for what could be the cornerstone of a title contender. Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times finds out that Gasol thinks similar things.
The Lakers were involved in trade talks with Orlando via Howard's agent for two weeks, but the price for Howard inevitably increased with Paul off the market.
The trade deadline isn't until March 15, and plenty can happen between now and then, though the Lakers will not trade Gasol and center Andrew Bynum to get Howard, according to a person familiar with the team's thinking.
Gasol wasn't so sure the Magic would stop taking offers for Howard.
"You don't know if they're just saying that," Gasol said. "They're probably saying that to get a better offer and then pull the trigger."
The Lakers wanted to make a big move this offseason, but all they have right now are Josh McRoberts, Jason Kapono, and a trade exception. Things have to improve on this front for the Lakers to really be seen as building for the future, or otherwise Kobe Bryant might be more than just displeased at the way things are going.
While a Gasol-Bynum trade is unlikely, don't totally rule it out from happening.
To discuss Howard and the Magic, go to Orlando Pinstriped Post. To discuss Howard possibly being on the Lakers, head to Silver Screen and Roll.