As I sat there and watched our Lakers struggle on defense against the Pacers last week, I began thinking about February 22nd.

It's obvious that KOBE needs help. The trading deadline is coming up and the other GMs in the league are evaluating rosters at such a rapid pace it makes Mike D'Antoni's Suns look like Pat Riley's Knicks of yesteryear.

If there's ever a deal of the century that you need to make, it would be a three-team swap involving Showtime, the Grizzlies, and the Timberwolves. The centerpieces of the trade I mention here...

GRIZZLIES would get:  Lamar Odom (F), Kwame Brown (C), and Brian Cook (F), Lakers. Memphis would add LO, Kwame, and Cook to a roster that includes Gay, Warrick, Atkins, and Stoudamire. Not too bad for what may be Jerry West's last major transaction before calling it quits.

TIMBERWOLVES would get:  Pau Gasol (F/C) and Mike Miller (F), Grizzlies. Building around Gasol would be an excellent project for low post legend Kevin McHale, who has gotten a lot of scrutiny for not being able to field a contender. Miller also gives them a deadly shooter to add to an athletic group that includes Ricky Davis, Randy Foye, and Mike James.

LAKERS would get:  Kevin Garnett (F/C) and Mark Madsen (F).  KG finally arrives in L.A. after all the speculation, and Minnesota gets at least something in return knowing Garnett would have opted out. The return of Mad Dog Madsen brings forth the ultimate question: Who will be the best dancer at the parade, Ronny or Mark? I dig it.

Sometimes it takes the biggest risks to accomplish the most desired results. I know how much you love Lamar's game, his versatility, and his personality. I know how much Phil values Kwame's size and potential to be a consistent defensive presence. But we already have Bynum, who's a walking double-double. Garnett is arguably the best forward in the league over the last 6 years!! Odom has been in the NBA over six years and hasn't proven to be consistent enough to be considered a legitimate all-star. What is that telling you?

We don't have time to wait til next year because you decrease the chance of landing KG. Plus McHale can decide to ship him to Boston or Indiana because of his ties to Ainge and Bird. But if you made a call to Jerry West right now proposing this deal, then maybe McHale would listen knowing he would get Gasol in return. Now is the chance since Memphis is actively shopping Pau. And I'm sure Mr. West wouldn't mind helping out the Lakers in any way as well.

Thank you for the kind consideration.

Very yours truly,

J-Dizzle