I can't imagine the Lakers would think even a free Pau Gasol would distract the Rockets from going after Howard. I don't see shopping Gasol as a Howard gambit at all. I think they are thinking about the post-Howard world in which they are going to have to tear down their old roster and start rebuilding. So, they'll probably take whatever is offered for Gasol just to clear the salary so they don't have to amnesty him.
Absolutely yes if we strike out on howard. Fills our hole at PF without sacrificing future cap space.
Ive said so many times this guy pouts and cries when he doesn't get what he wants. Moving him from LA lifestyle to houston, hes just gonna mail it in and go back to Spain. Small chance he takes a big pay cut to live in LA or NY or Miami though. He will give us 50% effort the whole year if we get him.
That's not really true. Neal shot 42% from the top and 36% from top right. Those stats flip flopped in the playoffs. Leonard was good from the corners, but pretty good from everywhere in the playoffs. Bonner was good from everywhere, but one corner (both in the playoffs).
They didn't work that well together last year, though that could be a product of D'Antoni's system and various injuries. With Gasol's mid-range shot, post presence, and passing ability it should have been the perfect frontcourt. I would not expect it to magically work in Houston.
