Does it actually benefit the Lakers long-term to trade Gasol for Love and 2nd pick?

I agree. It gets the Lakers younger and much better. That's a pretty good trade for both teams and Minny gets a veteran guy in that young team. And they can make the playoffs. Lakers getting Dwight Howard would be a huge plus but getting Love is pretty good too. He has good potential and still very young and a #2 pick is even better