Jim Buss was more in favor of trading away Pau Gasol at the trade deadline than Mitch Kupchak.

The Los Angeles Lakers were never offered more than a second round pick for Gasol.

The Lakers decided not to trade away the expiring $19.3 million contract of Gasol for such a small return.

"Mitch wins a lot more of these battles than people imagine," said an agent who asked not to be identified because he deals with the Lakers. "They respect his caution."