Times’ Mike Bresnahan: Don’t expect Pau Gasol to be traded

Among the highlights of a conversation with L.A. Times NBA beat writer Mike Bresnahan about the Lakers’ 97-94 victory Sunday over the Boston Celtics and what the front office might do before the trade deadline:

• Bresnahan has reported that the Lakers don’t plan to trade Pau Gasolunless it is for a young guard. He reported in The Times Monday morning that the Lakers had declined dealing him to Boston for Rajon Rondo. Bresnahan believes Gasol will remain in a Laker uniform through the season.

• Bresnahan says the most realistic move for the Lakers involves Minnesota forward Michael Beasley because of L.A.’s inconsistency at small forward with Metta World Peace and Matt Barnes. Still, ESPN.com’s Chris Broussardreported that the Lakers declined Minnesota’s offer that would require them to use their $8.9-million trade exception and a first-round pick because of luxury-tax concerns. Bresnahan reported recently that the Lakers had declined acquiring Cleveland guard Ramon Sessions for the same reason.

• Bresnahan wonders if Kobe Bryant‘s insistence that Andrew Bynum take the shot on the last play against Boston will bear significance moving forward in the season.

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