Lakers Trade Rumors: Pau Gasol to the Bulls?

After a disappointing second-round exit to the Oklahoma City Thunder, the latest Los Angeles Lakers rumor is that forward Pau Gasol would like to play for the Chicago Bulls.

Bulls.com reported on Monday that Gasol would like to play for the Bulls in the near future. The report indicates that Gasol can't stand playing with star guard Kobe Bryant and would like to get out of Los Angeles.

Despite the report claiming sources within the Lakers organization, Gasol denied interest in leaving the Lakers to the Los Angeles Times on Tuesday.

I don't know where that came from, Gasol said. It's pointless to really worry about it. I'm totally cool with it, whatever they say. The stories will appear and then disappear on something that does or doesn't happen again. It sucks to be in that position, but it is what it is.

My position is still the same. I still would love to be a part of the Lakers and continue to be here to help the team win more championships as soon as possible. It's out of my control and it's out of my hands, no matter what.

The proposed deal on Bulls.com was Gasol for a package that included forward Luol Deng. It would allow the Lakers to move a somewhat unwieldy contract - Gasol will make $19 million annually for the next two years - and improve the team's chemistry issues.

Gasol averaged on 12 points per game against the Thunder in the five-game series and is known to sulk when things aren't going his way. Getting rid of him for a good glue player like Deng and some other pieces could help the Lakers rally for one or two more runs at a title while Bryant is still healthy.