Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak heard Kobe Bryant loud and clear and has a message in response: Sorry, but Pau Gasol is still on the trading block.
“As a former player, I understand how the days leading up to the trade deadline can be nerve-wracking for an NBA player. Nonetheless, as General Manager of the Lakers, I have a responsibility to ownership, our fans and the players on this team to actively pursue opportunities to improve the team for this season and seasons to come,” Kupchak said in a statement. “To say publicly that we would not do this would serve no purpose and put us at a competitive disadvantage. Taking such a course of action at this time would be a disservice to ownership, the team and our many fans.”
Considering the Lakers were planning to trade Pau Gasol prior to the season, it’s no surprise to hear that they’re still pursuing a deal. They didn’t enter the season with the roster they wanted and their 18-13 record likely has Kupchak convinced he needs to make some tweaks. As much as it sucks for Pau, he’ll have to continue being a professional and show up ready to play as well as possible each game.
