Paul Gasol's name has been linked to the Lakers' attempts to trade for Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic and Chris Paul of the New Orleans Hornets.

"Well, you can't control that, really," Gasol said. "You can't really avoid it, so you're going to hear your name every now and then, here and there. I guess after the way the season ended last year, it is kind of expected.

"I'm looking forward to getting back on the floor and playing hard and playing my best. After that, I'm sure my name won't be brought up again."