The Los Angeles Lakers have been checking around the league this week to gauge Pau Gasol’s trade value, according to sources briefed on the discussions.
Sources told ESPN.com that the Lakers have been contacting teams in an effort to acquire a top-10 pick in Thursday’s draft. The Lakers also are seeking an established player along with the pick if they’re to part with Gasol.
A deal was not imminent as of Wednesday afternoon.
Earlier this month, Lakers president of basketball operations Jim Buss and general manager Mitch Kupchak both said that a major move is unlikely even after Los Angeles’ disappointing five-game playoff exit to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Gasol has been a coveted asset the past few years but comes at a high price. Aside from wanting picks and players in return, sources say that the Lakers want teams to assume the final two years and $38 million of Gasol’s contract.
The Lakers might have an even tougher sell with Metta World Peace, who also has been shopped in order to gauge his trade value.
While the Lakers would be looking for considerably less, such as a late first-round pick or perhaps some cap relief, World Peace’s contract obligations (two years, $15 million remaining on his deal) — combined with a 15 percent trade kicker — might prove too much for another team to bear.
WRITTEN BY Chad Ford and Marc Stein | ESPN.com & FULL STORY HERE
