so, it looks like the deal will be done today. there has been speculation for the past month or so, that Ron Artest may have actually ended up as a Laker. this would have given the Lakers a very strong defensive presence and a much needed second scoring option. unfortunately, what the Pacers wanted back in return was too much for the Lakers to let go. Odom and Bynum were off the table. obviously, Kobe is, and rightly so, untouchable.

i had secretly hoped to land Artest but wasn't willing to give up on Odom just yet. i think he'll be great as a third wheel if we do ever get a second marquee player to battle along with Kobe.

well, with the deal going down and the Lakers not being involved, you'll start seeing a flurry of trades before the February 23rd trade deadline.

there is some friction in Minnesota, with Kevin Garnett supposedly asking to be traded after their last game/loss (and a 19 point come from behind victory by the 76ers.)

now, i'm daydreaming of KG and Kobe on the court together. i will gladly ship Lamar out to the freezer drawer called Minnesota for Kevin Garnett. again, a very long shot with all sort of salary cap implications which would make it unlikely... but hey, i can dream. right?

i'd like to keep Smush, Kobe, Lamar, DGeorge. Kwame and Bynum but they rest of the Lakers are trade bait, as far as i'm concerned.

i was wondering what your guys thoughts were on the current roster and who'd you like to see in a Lakers uni alongside number 81?


last but not least... Kobe has my vote for MVP so far this season. no one else is as important to their team right - not even Steve Nash.