NBA trade rumors: Lakers will not deal Dwight Howard, says Mitch Kupchak

The Los Angeles Lakers are doing their best to keep their heads above water this season, and general manager Mitch Kupchak doesn't think any type of blockbuster trade could help the team improve its chances for a playoff push. That means the Lakers aren't going to trade center Dwight Howard, Kupchak told Newsday.

"We will not make a trade," Kupchak said. "We will not trade Dwight Howard. We have no intention of making a trade. It's unlikely that we'll make any trade with any of our principal players. To make another change at this time of the year being behind the eight-ball like we are, I think that would just make it more difficult. The talent is there. We have to find our way."

Howard and forward Pau Gasol have been the names popping up in the trade rumor mill, as both have struggled to meet expectations this year. Howard is currently dealing with a torn labrum in his shoulder that has kept him out the last two games. Gasol has taken his spot in the starting lineup, scoring in the 20s in two outings.

The Lakers, at 22-26, are 3.5 games out of the eighth and final playoff spot, but their schedule does them no favors. Los Angeles plays away from Staples Center in 18 of its final 34 games.