I highly doubt Kobe leaves the Lakers. Kupcheck told Kobe and media the future is Kobe and we are building around Kobe. That pissed off Shaq and Shaq has demanded a trade. I think Shaq has very little left in the tank as a Laker. I'm all for trading him this year before his value drops to almost nothing (to what you should get back in return for Shaq). If Shaq stays with Lakers he will come to play out of shape and take nights off (plus he is getting older). My guess is that Shaq uses this trade as motivation, loses weight, and dominates once again next year.
Kobe opting out is a business move more than to leave the Lakers. I am very confident Kobe stays a Lakers if Kupcheck provides Kobe with players around him. Kobe does not want these stinking role players who the Lakers have now. They are and always have been pathetic.
Here are some realistic trades Lakers can do. Remember you have to factor in salaries.
*BEST TRADE*
Shaq to Indiana for Oneal, Artest and Croshere. Not sure Indiana would do it but I def. know Lakers would!!!!
Shaq to Clippers for Brand, Maggette, and Wang Zhizhi to balance the salary a little more. I like this trade too for Lakers.
Shaq to Orlando for T-Mac and Hill. Could you imagine Kobe at the 2G and T-Mac at SF?! God...what a disgusting show of athleticism that would be!). However Lakers would have zero inside presence.
Shaq to Toronto for Carter hasn't been happy there since '01, and with Jalen Rose thrown in, the numbers work out. Not sure I like this trade for Lakers.
*****I think the most realistic and best trade for Lakers is........
Shaq to Portland for Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Theo Ratliff and Reuben Patterson. Lakers get a very good defensive center to replace Shaq, an excellent PF to plug into the starting line-up, and one of the better defensive SF in the leauge. Salary works out too!
However, it looks like the Blazers might deal Shareef to the Nets for Kerry Kittles, Aaron Williams, and the No.22 in the draft. This from Chad Ford's chat at ESPN.com.
This, IMO, would be a fantastic deal for the Nets! Abdur-Rahim is a very, very good PF.
