Pau Gasol is expected to become one of the most talked-about players as the trade deadline approaches, and while the four-time NBA All-Star center expressed readiness for any scenario, the veteran said this week that he wants to stay with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Gasol, who has been involved in numerous trade talks over the past three seasons, told the L.A. Times on Thursday that he wants to continue playing in Los Angeles, despite the Lakers' well-documented struggles this season.

"My preference would be to stay," Gasol said. "That's what I've been saying all year, though the circumstances are difficult right now for our team and nobody's too happy. But it's still my team and I still want to be here."

Previous rumors indicated that the Lakers were engaged in deep talks with the Phoenix Suns about a potential trade for Gasol before the deadline.

Talks are stalled at this point, but sources said that the two teams will resume negotiations a few days before the Feb. 20 trade deadline.

In the event the Lakers and the Suns strike a deal, Gasol said that he will be ready to move on, but he vowed to continue playing his best if the Lakers decide to hold onto him beyond the deadline.

"I've been mentally ready more or less and emotionally ready for a while now for three years now," Gasol admitted. "As we get close to it, I'm sure things will heat up at some point and we'll see if they actually fall through or they don't. Either way, I'll be ready and once that date kind of passes, just finish off the season strong and see where I'm at."

If the Lakers decide to keep the 33-year-old center, sources said that Chris Kaman could be shipped out before Thursday's deadline.

Basketball Insiders reported that Kaman is expected to draw strong interest from several teams after his recent string of impressive performances.

The 31-year-old veteran, who averaged 18.3 points and 8.0 rebounds over his last 10 games, is expected to be shopped by the Lakers in the hopes of acquiring a young asset or a first round pick in the 2014 NBA Draft.