Lakers Trade Rumors: Pau Gasol Available for a Top Draft Pick

As things currently stand, the Lakers will be very limited in the 2012 NBA Draft.

Los Angeles doesn't have a first round pick, and isn't scheduled to select a player until number 60, which is the last pick in the draft.

The only way the Lakers can leave Thursday's draft with an impact player is if they make a trade. According to a recent report, Los Angeles may be looking to get a much higher pick than what they have.

Chad Ford and Marc Stein are reporting that L.A. is considering dealing Pau Gasol, in order to move up in the draft. The Lakers have been checking with teams around the NBA, trying to gauge what kind of value Gasol has at this point in his career.

The Lakers don't just want to get in the lottery; they want a top-10 selection in exchange for the big man. The report indicates that L.A. would like to get an established NBA player in a potential deal as well.

Gasol's trade value is likely as low as it's been in years. The seven-footer averaged 17.4 points and 10.4 rebounds per game last season. It's the lowest scoring average in his 11 years in the league. He also only put in 12.5 points per game in the playoffs.

The Hornets have the number one selection, and will almost certainly take Anthony Davis from Kentucky. The Bobcats have the next pick, but are reportedly looking to move down in the draft.

L.A. acquired Gasol in a trade in 2008. The Lakers sent Gasol's brother Marc, Kwame Brown, Javaris Crittenton, Aaron McKie and two first-round picks for Pau and a second-round pick.