If you are not tired of discussing potential trades, would you agree to a Carlos Boozer-for-Pao Gasol swap? Gasol is longer, quicker and may provide a better defensive presence than Booze.

-- James

Answer:

The argument can be made that a Boozer-for-Gasol trade would, on paper, benefit both teams.

The Lakers would get an All-Star caliber power forward to team with young center Andrew Bynum, an emerging All-Star. In Gasol, they would be getting rid of a player who is, in many ways, a duplicate of Bynum.

At the same time, the Jazz would get a seven-foot, rim-protecting center who is more equipped than Boozer to match-up with some of the top power-type players in the Western Conference. Besides, every Jazz fan knows Boozer can opt out of his contract after the 2008-09 season and this would be a way of cashing in a valuable chip, instead of just letting him walk away.

Still, this trade -- like most trades -- probably won't happen.

No. 1, a straight-up Boozer-for-Gasol trade does not meet NBA salary requirements, according to the trade checker at realgm.com. There would have to be other players thrown in to make the trade work and that would complicate the situation.

No. 2, I don't think the Lakers will trade Gasol until they see Bynum test the surgically repaired knee that kept him sidelined for most of last season. GM Mitch Kupchak would look pretty silly trading Gasol, only to discover a few months later that Bynum's injury will impact his effectiveness and limit his potential.

No. 3, the Jazz aren't like to trade Boozer out of fear over what might happen 12 months from now. Yes, there is a good possibility Boozer eventually opts out of his contract. But it does not necessarily mean he will leave Utah. Boozer could opt out and then negotiate a new long-term contract with the Jazz, giving him more long-term security and still keeping the Jazz's current core intact.

Finally . . .

I've always been a huge Gasol fan. I think he's a terrific talent. Off the court, he seems to be a well-adjusted professional who cares about his team and those around him. I can also tell you Gasol is one of the most helpful, cooperative players a reporter will find in the NBA.

That said, Memphis had Gasol on the market for almost two full seasons and the Jazz did not make a serious run at him. I doubt management has changed its mind about how he might fit in, especially since Utah would now be dealing with the Lakers, who look to be one of the teams the Deron Williams/Carlos Boozer-led Jazz will have beat to reach the NBA Finals.

That's why Memphis decision to send Gasol to the Lakers for next-to-nothing last season remains so perplexing. No matter how good the Grizzlies get in the next five years, the Lakers (with Gasol) will be better.