The New York Knicks have slumped for the entire 2013-2014 season so far, and rumors of Carmelo Anthony ditching the sinking ship at year's end has Knicks fans shaken to their core. The Los Angeles Lakers are often rumored to be a landing spot for Anthony, but a possible deal could be in the works between the two teams that might entice the 2013 scoring champion to stay.
Lakers center Pau Gasol's relationship with head coach Mike D'Antoni is on the outs, due to his unhappiness in his current role, and D'Antoni's disdain for Pau's lack of effort. According to reports, the Lakers might be interested in dealing Gasol to New York, with the principle piece in return being defensive anchor Tyson Chandler.
Gasol recently told The Los Angeles Times, "The fact that I'm not getting the ball in the post affects directly my aggressiveness," he said. "When I'm not getting the ball where I want to, where I'm most effective, where I can bang guys and utilize my skill, that affects my aggressiveness and overall intensity."
The Knicks would need to add more in the deal; Bleacherreport.com posits that including J.R. Smith, a talented scorer who has been causing headaches since last season would make the trade work money-wise. The Lakers are reportedly not interested in acquiring the mercurial guard, so the Knicks might need to include Iman Shumpert.
The move would vastly improve Los Angeles' defense, while giving them another run and gun threat on the perimeter whether they took back Smith or Shumpert. Also, both have experience playing for D'Antoni.
This deal does not improve New York's already-porous D, but gives them a legitimate post scorer to help Carmelo. Amar'e Stoudemire is no longer capable of contributing high-level offense in big minutes.
Gasol has indicated he wouldn't stand in the way of a trade, but hinted he'd like to be sent to Memphis, where he could pair with his brother Marc.
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