Basketball On The Internet.

HERE’S a (strong) rumor sure to further unsettle LA Lakers fans but ESPN.com is claiming the iconic NBA franchise is engaged in “advanced trade talks” to exchange Pau Gasol with unwanted Cleveland Cavaliers centre Andrew Bynum.

This all could go down very quickly too as the Cavs actively are shopping Bynum who has a salary cap number of $12million but only half of it is guaranteed if he is released by January 7 – that’s next Tuesday for those playing at home.

The suitors for Bynum’s unique contract is limited to the six teams over the luxury tax and the Lakers, where Bynum was an All Star and championship winner, is one of them.

Not that they really want him.

By acquiring Bynum, then releasing him, the Lakers would rid themselves of Gasol's contract, which means a saving of $13.3 million in luxury taxes this summer PLUS the balance of Gasol's contract, around $11 million.

If you don’t understand how the luxury tax etcetera work, just trust this. If LA can unload Gasol, they will avoid slipping into the “repeat offenders” tax that starts next season.

That’s an additional punishment for teams perpetually over the luxury tax – where the Lakers live.

To make the deal work, the Cavs would probably also have to give up one other player and our very own Matthew Dellavedova’s name is in that mix. Not like the Lakers are revelling in quality point men just now.

In fairness, Alonzo Gee, Carrick Felix and Sergey Karasev also have been mentioned as part of the package.

Frankly, I’d be happier if Delly was held onto and Gasol, a 13-year star averaging 14.7 points and 9.4 rebounds, joined him, Kyrie Irving, Jarrett Jack and the Cav-pack at Cleveland.

Let’s face it, Gasol has never looked comfortable in Lakers coach Mike D'Antoni's system and the coach often has used the big Spaniard as a fall-guy.

Additionally, Gasol averaged 17.4 points and 10.4 rebounds two years ago under Cavs coach Mike Brown.

Stay tuned.