In another move to cut costs, the Los Angeles Lakers have traded Chris Mihm to Memphis Grizzlies for a future (2013) second round pick. A future second round pick? Wow, I really thought the Lakers could have traded Mihm for a banger or a decent shooter.

However, I understand.  It’s the economy, stupid.  I guess that’s the new cliche.  In the words of Johnny Ludden, “This is what qualifies as a smart deal in today’s NBA. Thin your bench, pay another team to take your player, get nothing tangible in return and save your owner enough money to remodel the living room in his waterfront home. ”

Really funny, huh?  Seriously, it’s really funny.  I bet there has to be some truth in that statement.

Chris Mihm, in my opinion, was a solid center until his yearly injuries.  His play improved when he started playing with Kobe Bryant.

When Andrew Bynum went down (in his own version of yearly injuries), I suggested that Mihm start at center.  I just wanted Lamar Odom to lead the second unit that badly.  With Odom at the second unit, it could very well be a first unit for some teams.  Imagine the Lakers with 2 first units.  Overrated?  Maybe.

Anyway, my other rationale behind starting Mihm is that the first unit is already very potent offensively.  They need a scrapper to go with their prolific offense.  While Mihm is certainly not a scrapper type of player, I could envision him trying to be one, especially at this stage of his career.

Yes, Mihm was very lousy when Phil Jackson played him (recently) but that’s normal since he hasn’t played for a long time.  Playing him and giving him confidence in the regular season would’ve given him the chance to perform in the playoffs.

Of course, Phil Jackson ignored me.  Partly, because I don’t even exist in his universe.  Mostly, because Jackson knows professional basketball more than I do.

But I guess Phil and I can agree that this trade was purely for Jery Buss’ newly renovated living room financial reasons.

P.S. I wonder if Memphis would buyout Mihm and the Lakers pick him up off the wiavers.