Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol once formed a championship-caliber frontcourt for the Los Angeles Lakers, before Bynum was dealt away because of injuries and a bad attitude. L.A. got Dwight Howard in that big swap, which didn't really work out for them either.
Now, Lakers coach Mike D'Antoni is saddled with a roster full of role players, injured stars in Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash, and an unhappy Gasol turning in one of his worst statistical seasons.
Meanwhile in Cleveland, Bynum's malcontent act has infuriated management to the point they suspended him indefinitely for conduct detrimental to the team, and reports surfaced questioning the center's desire to even play basketball at all.
Something tells the Lakers he wants to play though, because they're talking with the Cavaliers about bringing the prodigal center home. Bynum had gotten limited playing time so far this year, averaging 8.4 points and 5.3 rebounds a game in 20 minutes. His per 36 minutes numbers come out to 15.9 points and a shade under 10 rebounds.
Currently Gasol is putting up 15.1 points and 9.2 rebounds, while shooting a career-worst 44.3 percent from the field on 14 shots per game. Rumor has it the two teams are discussing a deal, but talks have stalled. There is urgency on Cleveland's side to complete this quickly before Bynum's contract is guaranteed on January 7th.
The Lakers are reportedly holding up the action, requesting a young asset or first-round draft pick in addition to the mercurial big man. That asset would be on top of nearly $20 million in savings by unloading Gasol's deal for Bynum's.
Gasol isn't thrilled with the idea of leaving though, despite his gripes with D'antoni.
"It's my home, it's my team," Gasol said. "It's the team that I've been through so much with, and I'm not the type of guy that likes to jump ship because everything is not going right right now. So, I'm a loyal guy. I'd like to continue to be here and fight with the guys that are here and once we get bodies back, everything will be better. But right now, I'd like to continue to stay here. This is my team, this is my city."
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