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Los Angeles Lakers: A deadline trade for a center is in play

By Jason Reed

DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 03: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets has his shot blocked by Hassan Whiteside #21 of the Miami Heat at the Pepsi Center on November 3, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 03: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets has his shot blocked by Hassan Whiteside #21 of the Miami Heat at the Pepsi Center on November 3, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

1. Marc Gasol

Trading for Marc Gasol would be the Los Angeles Lakers coming full circle on two different NBA Title contending teams. Not only is he the brother of Pau Gasol, who was a key component of the Lakers’ last two titles, he was the reason for the Lakers getting Pau to begin with.

The Lakers traded the draft rights to Marc Gasol, along with other assets, to the Grizzlies for Pau Gasol and the rest was history. Pau went on and won two rings with Kobe Bryant and the rest of the 2009 and 2010 Lakers while Marc really came into his own in Memphis.

Now, after a down year with no real shot at contending, even if healthy, we may see the Grizzlies become sellers at the deadline. If so, the Los Angeles Lakers should be knocking at the team’s door as Gasol will likely be the best center available on the market.

This deal makes sense for the Lakers as it gives LeBron an experienced running mate for the next few seasons without drastically hurting the cap situation. The Lakers could likely get rid of Luol Deng in this deal, although it may cost Moritz Wagner and some picks, which leaves space open for next offseason.

Gasol does have a player option next offseason, however, the chances of him opting out of a chance to win a title with LeBron is slim. Even if he does, that will just add to the cap space the Lakers were going to have anyways.

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