I have a feeling that the Lakers will try to make a trade.  I feel they need a more consistent shooter (ala James Posey).  I feel Sasha Vujacic and Vladimir Radmanovic are inconsistent shooters.

And why is Vlade not playing the past two games?  Is Phil Jackson protecting him from possible injury knowing that a trade is in the works?  I understand that Vlade can’t start but not play him for two whole games? Something’s fishy here and I’m not even talking about Derek, yet.

Of the two, I think Vlade is the more tradeable player, if we set aside his salary for the moment.

On another note, if the Lakers fail to win it all this season, I would say a trade of Ron Artest for Lamar Odom is even making more sense for both teams.  The Lakers will get its sorely lacking defensive player (on ball) and Houston will replace the offensive firepower that they will have lost in the often injured Tracy McGrady.

Oh wait, Lamar has stopped shooting the past few seasons.  Well, maybe he can jumpstart his offense in Houston by playing point forward.

Crazy?  Wishful thinking?