With the Lakers’ main focus appearing to be on Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James, they haven’t forgotten their own free agents. In fact, the Lakers may be planning on bringing one of their own back to pair with a newcomer. According to LA Times writer Mike Bresnahan, the future of Pau Gasol in LA may hinge upon Anthony’s decision.
"If Anthony eventually chooses the Lakers, they feel they have a good chance of bringing Gasol back.“If the Lakers get Carmelo, Pau will stay,” said a person familiar with Gasol’s thinking."
This would presumably make a Lakers front line consisting of either Gasol at center and Anthony as a stretch four or Anthony as a small forward, Julius Randle at power forward, and Gasol at center.
Offensively, this would be a great lineup. With pure scorers like Kobe Bryant and Anthony in any lineup, you’ll never struggle for points. The faults certainly come on the defensive end, where there are a lot of below average defenders. The Lakers best bet would likely be to play Anthony at power forward and try to nab a plus defender at the small forward position.
Regardless, the team would be an upgrade over last year’s version and we have a superstar for the future in Anthony, which in itself would draw other superstars to LA in future summers of free agency.
Let us know if you think it’s a good idea to pair up Gasol and Melo in the future.