January 17, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers power forward Pau Gasol (16) dunks past Miami Heat center Chris Bosh (1) in the game at the Staples Center. Heat won 99-90. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Since last night’s report that the Suns were discussing the possibility of trading for Lakers big man Pau Gasol, much has developed over the last 24 hours.
First, this morning it was reported that the two teams were indeed engaged in Gasol-Emeka Okafor trade discussions, which wasn’t the original discussions.
Later on in the day, it was reported that LA was hesitant in pulling the trigger on a deal involving Okafor and draft pick because they are seeking a draft pick higher than what the Suns can give them, which is currently the 17th pick in the first round.
As of now, the Lakers are in exploratory talks with other teams seeking that higher draft pick. While those teams are not known, they would likely be a squad in the lottery looking for a playoff push.