The Lakers are reportedly shopping two of their most recognizable players, Pau Gasol and Metta World Peace. From ESPN:
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.
The Lakers are reportedly have their sights set on Kentucky’s Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, who is projected to be selected somewhere in the top 10, if not top five, in the draft. The Lakers currently don’t have any picks in the first round.
One team reportedly willing to be a trading partner with the Lakers is the Hawks, who are offering the disgruntled Josh Smith in exchange for Gasol. The Hawks, however, don’t draft until the 23rd pick, far from the top-10 selection the Lakers covet.
This report is just the latest in Gasol long appearing headed out of town. Jim Buss almost comically seemed pretty sure last week that Gasol won’t be going anywhere.
Meanwhile, the Lakers might have a tougher time unloading World Peace. More from ESPN:
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.
Much like how some families are stuck with that annoying drunk uncle, the Lakers appear stuck with Metta World Peace.
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