The Lakers are committed to moving Gasol, even if they get back less talent, according to Mitch Lawrence of the New York Daily News.
Gasol, of course, has shouldered much of the blame when the Lakers have faltered in the postseason — as they did in the second round against the Thunder this year. Kobe Bryant has even called out the big man on occasion, emphasizing a need for Gasol to become more assertive.
The idea that L.A. would take back less talent is new, though, and really shows how much the veteran’s stock has fallen since the Lakers’ back-to-back championships in 2009 and 2010. The 31-year-old averaged a career-low 17.4 points in 65 games this season, while averaging 10.4 rebounds and shooting 50.1 percent from the field.
Gasol is slated to make more than $38 million over the next two seasons, according to HoopsHype, which makes the idea of dealing him even more attractive to the Lakers.
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