The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly interested in trading Pau Gasol to the New York Knicks for Tyson Chandler. Although the Knicks aren't shopping Chandler, New York would consider dealing the center if J.R. Smith were included in the trade, according to ESPN's Chris Broussard.
Broussard reported on Sunday that Los Angeles had contacted New York about the availability of Iman Shumpert, albeit no deal was imminent. Although the Lakers haven't yet discussed a trade for Chandler with the Knicks, Broussard reported on Sunday that the Lakers are more interested in swapping bigs than in acquiring Shumpert.
"Sources say the Lakers also are interested in another Knicks player - center Tyson Chandler," Broussard wrote. "The Lakers did not inquire about Chandler when they called about Shumpert, but they are weighing whether to propose a Pau Gasol-for-Chandler trade, according to sources.
"The Knicks are not looking to move Chandler - several teams have contacted them about him, sources said - but if a club agreed to take back struggling guard J.R. Smith, the Knicks would consider such a deal."
While the Lakers would have cap space to take on Smith's three-year, $18 million contract, Broussard described the Lakeshow as uninterested in picking up the struggling shooting guard.
Chandler, who's nearing a return from his leg fracture on Nov. 5, would provide the Lakers with a strong defensive presence in the paint. The 7-foot-1 center earns $14.1 million this season and $14.5 million next season; he becomes an unrestricted free agent in July 2015.
Los Angeles has only formally discussed with New York the potential acquisition of Shumpert, a 2-guard known for his ability to defend. With injuries to Steve Nash, Steve Blake and Jordan Farmar, adding Shumpert would bolster the team's backcourt.
With Bryant taking on the role of facilitator and averaging a career-high 6.7 assists per game, Broussard believes Bryant and Shumpert could coexist on the court. If the Lakers were to make a trade it likely wouldn't happen until after their four-game road trip ends on Tuesday.
