Pau Gasol trade rumors: Lakers PF not on market, per report

Sources told ESPN.com Wednesday that the Lakers, after weighing the idea of making Gasol available before the trade deadline in February, are encouraged by the way he’s played in the past three games, as well as his efforts to make amends for his recent public spat with coach Mike D’Antoni.

After publicly feuding with D’Antoni recently, Gasol has averaged 17.3 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2.3 blocks over the past three contests. He’s shooting 57 percent over the past five games, and 16-of-21 in the most recent two.

Prior to the recent hot streak, Gasol blamed his struggles -- he shot 12-of-41 (29 percent) in the first three games of December -- on the team’s offensive system. D’Antoni pointedly responded to the big man’s complaints, and it may have lit a fire under him for the time being.

With Gasol playing better and Kobe Bryant still rounding into form, it appears the Lakers will opt for stability over a major roster shake-up, which would likely happen with any deal involving Gasol. It’s still possible he’s dealt before the trade deadline, but the Lakers will see if their current group can start winning some games before bailing.

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