According to a source, Lakers point guard, Steve Nash, was promised by LA’s brass that they wouldn’t trade their seven-foot power forward, Pau Gasol per Ric Bucher.

The prospect of pairing Nash with Gasol was probably one of the biggest factors when Nash chose the Lakers over teams like the Knicks. Pau is a player who thrives in the pick-n-roll and Nash is the type of point guard who get’s his rocks in the passing game.

Of course, all of this took place before the Lakers acquired Dwight Howard, who happens to be the leagues best pound-for-pound pick-n-roll finisher, so perhaps the prospect of trading Gasol won’t really phase Nash if it is to better Mike D’Antoni’s system.

Gasol doesn’t seem to mesh with D’Antoni’s high-speed offense and speculations of whether Pau is even hurt or not right now have lit the web on fire. Gasol was benched during the 4th quarter Lakers’ loss to the Orlando Magic last Sunday and continues to look lost in this new system.

The real deal breaker in a Gasol deal could present itself if it would cause tension between Nash and the Lakers. Although, that’s not to say the Lakers wouldn’t entertain a trade despite Nash not approving. But Nash’s preference could play a role if LA is indeed looking to deal the two-time NBA champion.

Duncan Steel | Elite.