Lakers News and Rumors 2014: Pau Gasol For Andrew Bynum Swap Gaining Momentum

The Los Angeles Lakers and the Cleveland Cavaliers are reportedly in talks for a possible swap involving All-Star power forward Pau Gasol and disgruntled center Andrew Bynum, a source close to situation reported on Tuesday.

The Cavaliers are pushing hard to get rid of Bynum and his onerous two-year contract. On Sunday, the Cavs announced that they had suspended Bynum indefinitely for his actions detrimental to the team's policy.  

Last summer, the Cavs inked the former All-Star center to an incentives-laden two-year deal that could pay him up to $24 million, if goals are met. According to ESPN, the Cavs want to trade Bynum before half of his $12.25 million becomes guaranteed on Jan. 7.  

"No deal is believed to be imminent, but both sides are mulling it over ahead of a Jan. 7 deadline when the second half of Bynum's $12.25 million salary would be guaranteed. The Cavs suspended Bynum for one game this weekend for conduct detrimental to the team and have excused him indefinitely from all activities, including games," via ESPN.

Bynum is averaging 8.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in 20 minutes per game this season, but the Cavs big man complained about playing with less mobility and having sharp pains in both knees.

Meanwhile, Gasol is producing 14.7 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in 30 minutes per game this season. He has been on the trading block for quite some time, having been linked to several trade proposals - including recently, in a proposed swap for Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez.

No More Luxury Tax For The Lakers

ESPN NBA insider Brian Windhorst indicated the Lakers could be using the trade as an option to free more than $20 million in salary and luxury taxes, allowing them to have financial flexibility despite re-signing Kobe Bryant to a lucrative two-year contract extension.

"By trading Gasol in a package for Bynum and then waiving him, the injury-ravaged Lakers could save more than $20 million in salaries and luxury taxes, which could help them maintain financial flexibility heading into the next few summers," via ESPN.

However, Windhorst believed the Gasol-Bynum trade can only happen if the Cavs are willing to part ways with some of their assets, such as draft picks or a promising young player.

"A Gasol-Bynum trade would have to include at least one other player and perhaps other assets from Cleveland," Windhorst stated.