Lakers face big decisions as trade deadline approaches - latimes.com

Lakers face big decisions as trade deadline approaches - latimes.com: "The Lakers have five more weeks to make a trade. Pau Gasol is staying ... for now.

The Lakers are reluctant to deal him because of the unthinkable — Dwight Howard leaving several months later as a free agent. They don't want to go from two quality 7-footers to none.

"They're in a bind," said a person familiar with the situation.

The trade deadline is Feb. 21. Howard becomes a free agent July 1.

Howard, 27, has kept to himself what he plans to do after this season. He loves living in Los Angeles but also wants to be an impact player on a championship-worthy team."

'via Blog this'