NBA Trade Rumors 2014 Update: LA Lakers Turned Down Andrew Bynum-for-Pau Gasol Swap Due to Potential Backlash From Fans

The Los Angeles Lakers nearly traded Pau Gasol earlier this month to the Cleveland Cavaliers, but the Lakers eventually backed out from the negotiations. Now we know why. 

Fox Sports reports that the potential trade that would have sent Gasol to Cleveland in exchange for the cap-friendly contract of Andrew Bynum did not materialize because the Lakers were pressed to get a scorer who could make their fans happy.

Previous reports suggested that the Lakers haggled for sophomore shooting guard Dion Waiters to be included in the deal, knowing that it could make their disappointed fans happy, but the Cavaliers did not budge during the negotiation.

The Lakers executives, particularly general manager Mitch Kupchak, are feeling the pressure from their fans.

According to reports, the Lakers signed Bryant to a two-year, $48.5 million extension to please their fans, despite knowing that signing the aging superstar to a huge contract could backfire in the next few years.

"According to sources, that's why the Lakers were unable to work out a trade involving Gasol with the Cavs -- the Lakers feared negative feedback if they didn't get a scorer, center or point guard in return. The Cavs weren't about to give up any of that, and neither will anyone else," Fox Sports noted.

But despite keeping Gasol in the team, the report insisted that the Lakers will eventually let go of Gasol. It is widely believed that the Lakers won't let him leave without getting anything in return once the All-Star power forward becomes a free agent next summer, which makes a near-deadline deal highly possible.

The Lakers' upcoming games could be a huge factor in making their decision whether or not to trade Gasol before the deadline.

Speculation suggests that the Lakers will trade the 33-year-old if they finally decide to wave the white flag for this season, but Kupchak also recently insisted that they won't go into tank mode despite having slim chances of lifting the Larry O'Brien trophy this season.

"I know the coaches are never, ever going to give up, and no matter who is on the court, everybody has something invested in this team -- the players and the staff," Kupchak told ESPN Los Angeles.