Lakers: Gasol for Bargnani one deal that needs to happen

[baseline bum]

http://www.nba.com/bulls/news/smith_121203.html

Though the Lakers have said they have no plans to trade Pau Gasol, Sam Smith isn’t buying it. Gasol doesn’t seem to be a fit for coach Mike D’Antoni’s system, and Antawn Jamison has enjoyed a revival in Los Angeles. Trading Gasol for Andrea Bargnani and Jose Calderon makes sense for both teams, argues Smith.

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By Sam Smith | 12.03.2012 | 9:30 a.m. CT | [email protected] | SamSmithHoops

Gasol for Andrea Bargnani and Jose Calderon. The Lakers probably give back a point, like Darius Morris.

It’s obvious for the Lakers. Bargnani is the ultimate D’Antoni player ( ), which is even why Toronto general manager Bryan Colangelo has tried to unite with D’Antoni for years. Why not? They had a brilliant run in Phoenix. And Colangelo just missed on Steve Nash last summer. Bargnani, a former No. 1 overall pick, has run out of affection in Toronto. But he’s a seven footer with an excellent three point shot who spreads the floor like few bigs. Nash is still out, and even when he returns isn’t a 30-minute player anymore. Calderon is in the final year of his deal and a point guard who plays pick and roll and scores and can be a perfect backup for Nash.

Gasol makes $19 million for two more seasons with a 15 percent trade addition. It’s a lot to take on, but this is a make-or-break time for Colangelo. He needs to make the playoffs, and despite a poor record the Raptors are close with some nice pieces in Jonas Valanciunas and DeMar DeRozan. Pau could give them maybe the best front court in the East, tutor Valanciunas and could revive himself as he’s clearly disinterested now with the Lakers. Plus, if the Raptors make the playoffs they get to keep their draft pick from the recent James Harden deal that the Rockets held. It strengthens Colangelo’s hand in building the team as he faces contract renewal. And the community needs to move past the Chris Bosh mess and be a playoff team. Colangelo took a risk with some offseason moves like Landry Fields, John Lucas and now has a top point guard in Kyle Lowry (wtf??? ). Pau probably gets them there, and gives D’Antoni the personnel mix he needs to succeed. And he really needs it now with the mess the Lakers have been. Though I still don’t have any ideas for the Wizards.

[Clipper Nation]

Lakerfan wants BARGS?

The desperation in Lakerland is palpable

[Brazil]

oh yes please

[Jodelo]

The (next) savior!

[Juggity]

2-19

another chucker on a team full of chuckers

[pass1st]

Would be a step down, considering Gasol's performance lately, that's saying a lot.

[Mark in Austin]

Wow. Just... wow.

[LkrFan]

Make det 24 Laker-related, or Laker-inspired threads on the front page of the Laker Forum. The BSESSION continues

[racm]

So the writer wants to make the Lakers even softer and worse on defense...

oh, he's a Bulls writer. Duh.

[Mugen]

Bargs and Calderon would at least address the defense problem

[irishock]

They need Landry Fields to fix the backcourt defense problem.

[JRHernandez88]

LMFAO

WOW....

Im enjoying every minute of this .

[Latarian Milton]

pau's time with the lakers is counting to an end obviously

[hater]

please make this happen

[Dex]

As much as I would love to see the Lakers go for Bustnani, I am so ing of them and their fan's 'buy a ring' mentality.

Can't get it done with Kobe, Bynum, and Gasol? Bring in Howard, please.

Need a point guard? Buy Steve Nash outta Phoenix.

Team is struggling still? New coach please.

Oh, we hired ing D'Antoni? Another new coach, please.

Lost to the hapless Magic? Time to buy more help, what about Bargnani or Iggy?

[lefty]

BUMP


Just for the lols