5 Players the Lakers Should Have Found a Way to Keep
By Hannah Kulik
May 11, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Golden State Warriors forward David Lee (10) guards Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) during the game in game four of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Golden State Warriors beat Memphis Grizzlies 101-84. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
2. Marc Gasol
Many fans may not remember that Gasol was once under the control of the Lakers’ organization. He was the 48th overall selection by the Lakers in the 2007 draft. However, he was traded to the Memphis Grizzles as part of the deal that brought Paul Gasol to Los Angeles. Marc had not played in the NBA or in the United States so no one knew for sure how good he would become. Perhaps the Lakers should have known. Large-bodied 7-footers do not grow on trees. His brother had developed into a star NBA player, so perhaps someone should have realized that Marc might do the same. Since he was an unknown, presumably the Lakers could have found someone or something else to include in the trade that would have been acceptable to the Grizzles other than Marc.
-== Top 10 Lakers Draft Picks of All-Time ==-
Right now the Lakers are probably wondering what might have been. Gasol has developed into the best center in the league, making the first team All-NBA team this past season, and he is in his prime. Instead, the Lakers are trying to concoct a scheme to pry him away from the Grizzles in free agency this summer. It is not going to happen, so we will forever be left to wonder how a front line that included how both Gasol brothers would have fared. Pretty well, I’m guessing.
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