The Los Angeles Lakers have been shopping their big men a bit this offseason. Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum really struggled to work well with each other last season, and there's a great question about whether those two can coexist as one ages and the other develops into his body. It might be necessary for them to part to both thrive on the basketball court as players; hence the onslaught of trade rumors for both players.
Could that all be over now that they've put Steve Nash on their basketball team?
Pau or Bynum trade the next shoe to drop after Nash? Not so fast. Source tells me Lakers intend to keep core intact to play with Nash
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) July 5, 2012
It'd be surprising if the Lakers totally ratcheted down their efforts to position more stars around Nash and Bryant. Dwight Howard still figures to be bandied about as a name the Lakers could use. Los Angeles could afford more athleticism and consistent shooting at the small forward spot. There are needs that could be filled for the Lakers via a Gasol or Bynum deal.
Still, there is some logic at going forward with this core 4 into the 2012 season and see what they can come up with on the floor. Los Angeles will be very formidable as a unit and will be worth watching most of the season. Gasol should thrive with Nash. Bynum should get more post touches. Might as well roll with the situation.
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