Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak: Dwight Howard, Pau Gasol will not be traded

The Los Angeles Lakers will not trade Dwight Howard or Pau Gasol before Thursday's deadline, general manager Mitch Kupchak said Wednesday on ESPN Radio.

Kupchak: "Dwight is our future."
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) February 20, 2013

Kupchak said that the relationship between Kobe Bryant and Dwight Howard -- who have reportedly been unhappy with each other -- is a "work in progress."

Kupchak repeatedly defended Howard, who has struggled in his first season in L.A. and received criticism for his effort. Howard has also dealt with a shoulder injury.

Kupchak on Dwight: "When he wins his 1st championship, and he will, people will look at him differently."
— Mark Willard (@Mark_T_Willard) February 20, 2013

Kupchak: "This team's window is this year and next year and a lot of that has to do with Kobe."
— Mark Willard (@Mark_T_Willard) February 20, 2013

Howard is a free agent after the season.

Kupchak also said the Lakers would not trade Gasol, whose role has been diminished by Howard's presence and coach Mike D'Antoni's system. Gasol is currently out with a right foot injury.