Although it’s only a rumor, this Pau Gasol for Kevin Love chatter has to be the most intriguing trade possibility involving the Los Angeles Lakers since the Dwight Howard speculation.
The difference between the players would be dramatic for both squads. Gasol is a polished offensive talent who is also a solid rebounder and defender. Love is a rough-and-tumble, gritty rebounder, who demonstrates constant effort and movement, and has a nice overall game.
What amazes me most about this trade possibility is that Minnesota Timberwolves President of Operations David Kahn seems to want to pull the trigger on swapping Love, coming off a career-season, for Gasol, coming off a playoff-career-low.
It would come with a nice benefit for the Wolves, though, as they would potentially unite Spanish teammates Ricky Rubio and Pau Gasol. Now although that may not seem daunting, the Wolves will either trade Michael Beasley or keep him. And, if they can pull off the deal trading the 2nd pick to the Milwaukee Bucks for Andrew Bogut and the 10th pick, the Wolves’ roster would be quite a bit stronger.
While Gasol had another great season, 18.8 ppg, 10.2 rpg, and 1.7 bpg, Love is coming off of a season in which he became the first player since the NBA/ABA merger to get 53 consecutive double-doubles.
Although I think Gasol fits the Lakers’ system well, the system is changing. Brown has taken over and getting Love would go a long way towards making the Lakers a tougher, more tenacious team. Love gobbled up 15.2 rpg this season while also dropping in 20.2 ppg and dishing out 2.5 apg. If Love can maintain this level of play, he would be a good fit in L.A.
The Lakers’ organization, players, and fans should never forget what Gasol provided for them on three straight trips to the NBA Finals. He’s a tremendous passer, rebounder, defender, and he’s got every shot in the book. Along with Shaquille O’Neal and Vlade Divac, Gasol has been one of the greatest passing Laker big men of all-time. But, with an eye on the future, this seems like a good deal. Love is just starting his 4th NBA season; Gasol is starting his 11th. Love would be a nice move for the Lakers because it allows them to reload and get younger, but at the same time continue the quest for another title before the end of Kobe Bryant’s career.
At a certain point, the Lakers and Wolves will have to ask themselves whether they think they’ll be able to do any better, or whether they should just pull the trigger and make this deal happen.
Rob S. De France is a College and University instructor of English Composition living in Los Angeles. He has a B.A. in English and an M.A. in Rhetoric, Composition, and Writing. De France has played, coached, and officiated competitive high school basketball in California for many years. Recently, De France, his wife, and another colleague started an internationally read magazine at Shwibly.com.
