In typical Hollywood fashion, the entire league was taken by storm when it was announced that former All-Star Pau Gasol had been traded to the rising Los Angeles Lakers. Once again the Lakers find a way to steal the spotlight at the right moment, in the midst of Super Bowl Weekend.

Around here in L.A., it was Super Brown Weekend. Thanks to Kwame, the purple and gold  might have just landed the missing ingredient it needs to become a contender for the NBA crown. Maybe the next time Kwame comes around to play against the Lakers in a Memphis uniform, the fans oughta give the guy a standing ovation.

Kudos to Lakers management. Taking a page out of the '95 Bulls, L.A. committs highway robbery much in the same way Chicago traded for All-Star Dennis Rodman by giving up only Will Perdue. As great as Michael Jordan was, he had his share of help to win another three titles. Who knows what could have happened had the Bulls failed to land The Worm? Now to see what Kobe can do with his team, which is primed and ready for big things. Will he equate the legendary Jordan? Will he surpass him or will he fall short of expectations?

I have three very key comments to say about how The Trade elevates the Lakers and how it changes the balance of power in the Western Conference.

1) Celtics of old leave a lasting impression on LA: Just when we think we're looking for Kobe's Pippen, the Lakers shift gears and add another low post threat. With Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol, the Lakers have a very formidable frontline that is reminiscent of Boston's Robert Parish and Kevin McHale. I am not saying that Bynum and Gasol are as great as Parish and McHale. It is yet to be proven. What I'm implying is that the players' styles and tendencies are quite similar.

Bynum, like Parish, has excellent low post moves, commands a double team, is a decent free-throw shooter, an adequate rebounder, and changes shots. Gasol, like McHale, has an above-average mid range shot, can play with his back to the basket, grabs rebounds, plays intelligently, passes well out of double teams, and can block a shot or two. With Kobe Bryant playing Larry Legend and Derek Fisher providing the steadiness of a point guard much like Dennis J0hns0n, I have to say this Lakers team resembles the Celtics of the eighties.

If you still don't see it, you'll remember that Danny Ainge and Jerry Sichting were outside threats who were pests on defense, much like Farmar and Vujacic are for the Lakers. Gerald Henderson, Cedric Maxwell, and Scott Wedman had length and were above average defenders who could occasionally score when needed, much like Lamar Odom and Trevor Ariza. Brad Lohaus, Fred Roberts, and Greg Kite? Well, they were gritty, less-skilled players who never lacked heart and did all the dirty work, the same type of contributions that guys like Ronny Turiaf, Chris Mihm, and Luke Walton provide for L.A.  All in all, it's Twin Towers plus a great clutch player and a bunch of savvy role players who can play defense, hit outside shots, and above all, hustle.

2) Matchups: LA is so versatile all the way around that playoff teams are going to have major difficulties matching up. Four starters - Bryant, Odom, Bynum, and Gasol - can command a double-team in the low post at any given moment. The team's length defensively allows the Lakers to mix it up on defense. Eight players - Bryant, Odom, Ariza, Turiaf, Gasol, Vujacic, Radmanovic, and Farmar can play at least two positions. Championship teams of the past like Chicago, Houston, Showtime, and Detroit won titles because they had extremely versatile players who played more than one position, making it harder for opponents to adjust since their players were exploited on both sides of the court.

3) Balanced Options: The days are over where you can double Kobe and leave other players open. Each player fits a specific role. Kobe is the alpha-dog. Bynum is the intimidating presence in the lane. Gasol is the consistent low post scoring threat. Odom is the best fourth option the NBA has seen in years. Fisher is steadfast, tough, resilient, and the enforcer. Ariza is your defensive lockdown player off the bench. Farmar is the leader of the second unit. Turiaf brings the energy. Radmanovic and Vujacic are three-point specialists. Walton gives you just about everything with minimal mistakes. Mihm is the best fourth string big man on the planet. And with sufficient playoff experience this team will be hard to beat, whether they finish third, fifth or eighth.

With the February 21 trade deadline fast approaching, rumors are abound. I have done some speculating and analysis, a little bit of ESPN Trade Machine, a lot of daily reading, had conversations with others who claim to be sources, but mostly introspective discussions with my left and right brains.

Feel free to critique the following trade scenarios, but I will remind you beforehand...

Back on February 2007, I wrote a piece that had this as part of the title: "Pau Gasol - Future Laker." And the day before the trade (right after the loss to the Pistons), I called in to a local sports radio show and proposed that LA should be going after Pau Gasol and Stromile Swift from the Grizzlies for either Kwame or Lamar and draft picks because I had a very strong feeling that Memphis was looking to unload salary and go in another direction considering they're season is just about done. Which is why when the trade was announced early Friday morning, I was the least bit surprised that it was indeed Gasol whom the Lakers acquired as I sat through my day long meeting with twenty of my colleagues. BTW, the talk show hosts responded to me by saying the Grizzlies would NEVER go for the deal.

Anyway, enough about the LAKERS. A number of players around the league are rumored to be dealt within the next three weeks. The prime candidates...

JASON KIDD, NJ:  Most of the talk has been centered around the Dallas Mavericks, but I would be mildly surprised if Kidd ends up with the team that drafted him. First of all, the Mavs have gained momentum of late so why fix something that isn't broken? Secondly, the nucleus of the team has developed a bond over the years so why break it up? Thirdly, Dallas would have to get rid of a majority of their valuable role players just to make the salaries match up. The only way Kidd goes to Dallas is if a third team is involved. Most likely destination: Portland, for a package that includes Steve Blake, Jarrett Jack, Raef LaFrentz, Darius Miles and/or Sergio Rodriguez. Why Portland: Kidd sees a future in teaming with Brandon Roy, Lamarus Aldridge and Greg Oden and the Nets get contracts that expire in a year or two and receive players who can help immediately.

MIKE BIBBY, SAC: Cleveland wants Jason Kidd but unfortunately the Nets won't trade him to an Eastern rival. Lebron James' consolation prize is Bibby. Because of Bibby's tendency to hit clutch shots, he is actually a good fit for the Cavaliers. Bibby, however, is the type of player who demands control of the ball in late-game situations. How this will affect Lebron is unknown. Either way, the Cavs get a scoring threat that Larry Hughes could never provide on a consistent basis. Cleveland gets: Bibby and Francisco Garcia. Sacramento gets: Larry Hughes, Daniel Gibson, and Donyell Marshall. Why Cleveland: The best place for Bibby to go is the East, where competition at the point guard position is not as tough as the West.

RON ARTEST, SAC: I don't think Ron Artest is going anywhere, especially if Bibby gets traded because Kings ownership loves Ron Ron. But Artest may force a trade especially if he can play for a contender. There is no doubt that Artest is a competitor and wants to play for a champioship. His $7.4 million contract is a bargain at this point, but next year he will certainly command top dollar. The question now becomes whether or not another team is willing to run the risk of signing him for big money with questions about his stability and all. Most likely destination: Sacramento. Second Most Likely Destination: Toronto, for Jamario Moon and Rasho Nesterovic's expiring contract. Why Toronto: The Raptors are desperate for defense, as evidenced by the undermanned Lakers' recent clobbering of Toronto in front of the Raptors' home fans.

KURT THOMAS, SEA: Thomas has an expiring contract and playoff teams are clamoring for him as we speak. In addition, what make Thomas even more attractive is his defensive toughness and playoff experience. I see Denver with George Karl (former coach of current Sonics coach Nate McMillan) making a huge push to land him. Teams such as San Antonio, Dallas, Houston, Golden State, and New Orleans could all use his services but a lot of times it's who you know that can get deals done. Karl certainly knows McMillan, and will even get him to include a much needed point guard in the deal, Luke Ridnour. Denver gets: Thomas and Ridnour. Seattle gets: Kenyon Martin who, at the very least, will excite Seattle fans with highlight film material in the last bid to keep the Sonics from skipping town. Why Denver: Thomas really has no choice where he winds up, as long as its a playoff team. 

SHAWN MARION, PHX: In direct response to the Lakers-Memphis deal, Phoenix finally deals The Matrix in order to get the big man they need to stay competitive in the Western Conference.  The Suns receive center Eddy Curry from New York and they also bring back shooter Quentin Richardson  to address their long range needs. This is good deal for both teams - New York gets a proven All-Star who will bring hustle and defense to an underachieving unit, while the Suns add a legitimate center allowing Amare Stoudemire to play his natural position of power forward. Phoenix gets: Curry and Richardson. New York gets: Marion. Why New York: A trade of this caliber could be the only thing that can save Isiah Thomas and Marion's time in Phoenix has simply run its course.

I'm sure there are other lower profile players in the league that are likely to be moved before the deadline. I'd like to know your thoughts on potential trades and players whom you think may be on the move and why.

Thanks again for stopping by.

A follow-up to the 2007 NBA Pre-Camp Power Rankings, here is the current power list as we approach the halfway point...

**In parentheses (pre-season rank, overall record, home record, road record, and record against teams in their respective conference)**

POISED FOR THE POSTSEASON...

1. Boston (#2, 30-5, 16-2, 14-3, 20-5 vs East):  Why are the Celtics the best right now? They are tops in the NBA in points allowed per game, opponent FG%, and are beating opponents by a 12-point margin. And they recently went 4-0 on a West Coast road trip, temporarily silencing all critics.

2. Dallas (#6, 26-11, 17-3, 9-8, 17-5 vs West): The Mavs' recent 102-86 shellacking of Detroit and current seven-game win streak puts defensive minded Dallas ahead of the Pistons in the power rankings, for now. And Detroit has already lost twice to Chicago, whom Dallas defeated last month.  

3. Detroit (#7, 28-9, 13-3, 15-6, 19-3 vs East):  Still contending, the Pistons now feature a younger and deeper bench than in years' past. They're second in the league in points allowed per game, opponent FG%, and they lead the league with fewest turnovers per game. The key to their success thus far has been their overall balance and efficiency. Detroit wins on the road just as much as they do at home.

4. L.A. Lakers (#8, 24-11, 14-5, 10-6, 15-5 vs West): The Young Guns' ascent in the rankings is due to their ability to consistently beat the top teams in the West. The Killer B's (Bryant and Bynum) lead the way for the Lakers, considered by many as the deepest and most dangerous team in the NBA. L.A.'s well-balanced machine can score and play defense with the best of them. Case in point: #3 in the NBA in PPG and FG%, #4 in the NBA in opponent FG% and steals per game. And their average 7-point margin of victory is third in the league and tops in the mighty Western Conference.

5. Phoenix (#3, 26-11, 13-4, 13-7, 12-9 vs West) : Amid talk of discord, the Suns continue to remain competitive despite their serious lack of size, depth, rebounding, and defense. The most telling stat about Mike D'Antoni's bunch, however, is that they only feast on the east, where they are 14-2, but have lots of trouble against their western counterparts. Although they once again lead the league in scoring, they are still 28th in points allowed and 18th in opponent FG%. This is a disturbing trend for a team with serious talent, but one that also finds it difficult to keep up with opponents who possess that rare combination of size, athleticism, balance, and championship-caliber coaching. Against the top eight teams in the Western Conference, Phoenix is a paltry 2-6 while the Lakers, on the other hand, are 7-3 against the same competition.

6. San Antonio (#1, 24-11, 18-3, 6-8, 17-9 vs West): There is absolutely no reason to panic as the defending NBA champions have lost two in a row, gone 5-5 in their last 10, and are seemingly sliding. Why so? They are 20th in the league in opponent FG%, a defensive category they usually lead the NBA in. The reality is they are pacing. They go through this every year and despite talk of getting old, they remain third in the NBA in points allowed. It's the same old San Antonio Spurs come playoff time, when they'll be number one in most people's minds. For now, they are sixth because they lost to the Suns last month while playing without this year's team MVP Tony Parker.

7. New Orleans (#18, 24-12, 10-7, 14-5, 17-8 vs West): The Hornets should not be a surprise to people, only because we know that Byron Scott is their coach and Chris Paul is running the show. Coach Scott has instilled defense into this young nucleus and his players are responding much like the New Jersey Nets responded to his leadership on their way to the Finals earlier this decade. Now the key is... can they stay healthy, particularly veteran sharpshooter Peja Stojakovic?

8. Portland (#24, 22-13, 17-3, 5-10, 16-7 vs West) : It appears the Blazermaniacs have resurfaced. The red-hot Blazers have won 17 of their last 18 games and along the way defeated Utah three times, Denver twice, Golden State twice, New Orleans, Toronto, and appear headed for the playoffs without Greg Oden. And imagine if Oden comes back this season. Btw, Brandon Roy is the real deal and so is Coach Nate McMillan, who is my midseason Coach of the Year.  

9. Denver (#11, 22-13, 15-5, 7-8, 13-10 vs West) : The Nuggets' dynamic duo of Carmelo Anthony and Allen Iverson keeps them in games offensively and their team defense isn't too shabby either (first in the league in steals per game and eighth in opponent FG%). However they are extremely thin at center, and their lack of depth at the point guard position could spell doom for the Nuggets come playoff time, where they will try to compete against the likes of Steve Nash, Tony Parker, Baron Davis, Chris Paul, Deron Williams, and Derek Fisher. That is not a very good sign for an inconsistent team.

10. Orlando (#19, 23-16, 7-8, 16-8, 14-6 vs East): The Magic started off strong but have tailed off lately, losing 12 out of their last 21, primarily because they are a jumpshooting team. Dwight Howard continues to be a monster, but besides him there isn't much else to be excited about. High-priced Rashard Lewis isn't even averaging 20 ppg and is shooting a disappointing 38% from three-point range. What baffles me about Orlando's management is why they picked up Lewis, who is essentially the same type of player as Hedo Tukoglu. Their stats and percentages are similar, making me wonder why they didn't go out and get a point guard like Steve Blake or Mo Williams instead.

11. Cleveland (#5, 19-18, 12-6, 7-12, 10-12 vs East): Don't let that .514 win percentage fool you. The defending Eastern Conference Champions got off to a slow start this year because of the holdouts of key players, Sasha Pavlovic and Anderson Varejao. Now both are back playing their customary roles, and the Cavs have quietly won seven of their last ten with King James putting on MVP-type performances. More importantly Cleveland is 9-6 against the mighty West, with wins against the Lakers, Dallas, Golden State, and Utah. 

12. Golden State (#14, 21-16, 10-7, 11-9, 14-10 vs West): The run-n-shoot Warriors, led by quarterback Baron Davis, continue to pile up the points and play nonexistent defense. Because of their style, they are last in the league in points allowed. However their depth keeps them in most games and the solid all-around play of Andris Biedrins has been a pleasant surprise for Nellie's rag-tag bunch.

 13. Utah (#21, 21-17, 15-3, 6-14, 11-10 vs West): Before the season began I specifically said  that Jazz fans will be wondering if Derek Fisher was really the difference maker. Three months later D-Fish has proved my point, making a huge impact on both the Lakers and the Jazz. Utah sorely misses the leadership and locker room presence that Fisher provides, not to mention his defensive savvy and toughness on the court. Ronnie Brewer has done an admirable job replacing him at shooting guard, but there is no replacement for chamionship experience and this is the main reason why the Jazz, despite their overall efficiency, have slipped in the West after making it all the way to the West Finals last year.

14. Houston (#10, 20-17, 9-6, 11-11, 10-11 vs West): The Rockets are currently on their longest winning streak of the season at five games and seem to be on a roll without their leading scorer, oft-injured Tracy McGrady. Although they are fourth in the league in points allowed and third in opponent FG%, something remains missing in the grand scheme of things for this underachieving ballclub. Some say that Yao Ming is too soft, yet others say inconsistencies in their rotation is what has caused the inconsistency in their record. Whatever it is, they need to figure it out fast or else a huge trade may be on the horizon. 

15. Toronto (#12, 19-17, 9-8, 10-9, 12-9 vs East): The absence of point guard T.J. Ford for half of the season has really hurt the Raptors thus far. Despite missing his leadership on the floor, they are sixth in the NBA in points allowed and second in steals per game. Notable wins so far have come against San Antonio and Dallas, and once Toronto gets Ford back in the lineup expect them to make a run for either the third or fourth playoff spot in the East. 

16. Washington (#16, 19-16, 11-8, 8-8, 13-10 vs East): The Wizards have been a mild surprise as they currently hold the four spot in the East despite being without top scorer Gilbert Arenas for most of the season. Former Laker Caron Butler has done a tremendous job leading the way, averaging 22 ppg while shooting 50% from the field and 40% from long distance. Antawn Jamison has also pitched in by averaging 21.6 ppg and 11 boards. Maybe they're better off without Arenas, whose commitment to winning an NBA title has been questioned of late.

POISED TO BATTLE 'TIL THE END...

17. New Jersey (#15, 18-18, 9-12, 9-6, 13-12 vs East): When Jason Kidd trade rumors seem to always persist, something is bound to happen. Kidd for Pau Gasol and Mike Conley? Kidd for Arenas? Kidd for McGrady? Kidd for Mike Bibby? If I'm Rod Thorn, I choose one because either way I won't go wrong. Unless a move is made, the Nets will continue to hover around mediocrity.

18. Atlanta (#29, 15-17, 10-8, 5-9, 9-13 vs East): The fact that the Hawks are 6-4 against the West seems promising. With the emergence of Josh Smith as a bonafide potential All-Star player and Marvin Williams as a consistent scorer, there is hope in Atlanta after all. Now to see if they can develop team chemistry and defensive consistency with Joe Johnson as their leader. A playoff spot is definitely within reach.

19. Chicago (#9, 14-20, 7-10, 7-10, 11-11 vs East): With all that talent, the struggling Bulls still lack a strong inside punch. Looking on the bright side, they are 5-3 under new coach Jim Boylan. Now to see if they finally structure a deal to pick up Pau Gasol or Amare Stoudemire.

20. Indiana (#20, 17-21, 8-9, 9-12, 9-11 vs East): How is it that the Pacers are ranked seventh in the league in scoring and fifth in opponent FG% yet they're only 2-8 in their last ten games and are playing terribly of late? Maybe it's because Jermaine O'Neal has lost interest. His averages of 15 points and 7 rebounds are not typical of the All-Star forward and his style of play doesn't seem to fit Coach Jim O'Brien's system. You can expect O'Neal to be dealt by the trading deadline, especially if Indiana continues to slide.

POISED FOR THE LOTTERY...

21. Milwaukee (#25, 15-22, 10-5, 5-17, 10-12 vs East): There is no question that on paper, the Bucks have talent. Then why is it they can't seem to get over the hump? Because they are 28th in the league in opponent FG%, while only 22nd in scoring.

22. Sacramento (#23, 14-21, 10-9, 4-12, 6-13 vs West): They have been without Mike Bibby, Ron Artest, and Kevin Martin for most of the season. Martin is back, with Artest and Bibby soon to follow. But the big question is still whether or not Bibby and/or Artest will be traded. Chances are they'll be shipped out, especially since young players like Francisco Garcia, Mikki Moore, and John Salmons all have done fairly well in the Kings' youth movement.

23. Philadelphia (#26, 14-23, 7-11, 7-12, 8-12 vs East): Losers of six in a row, the 76ers are insisting they won't part with either Andre Igoudala or Andre Miller. Philadelphia is acting as if they're both franchise players, and if they continue to believe that they won't be winning anytime soon. At best, Igoudala is a third option on a contending team and Miller is a starter on only a quarter of the teams in this league.

24. Charlotte (#22, 13-23, 11-11, 2-12, 9-20 vs East): The story of their season will be beating the Celtics in Boston and Michael Jordan's return (to the practice court).

25. L.A. Clippers (#30, 10-23, 5-13, 5-10, 6-14 vs West): GM Elgin Baylor says he is extremely disappointed with the Clippers' performance this year despite the injuries to Elton Brand and Shaun Livingston and the All-Star caliber play of center Chris Kaman. What else is new?

26. Memphis (#17, 10-26, 6-12, 4-14, 5-17 vs West):   The Grizzlies hired a new coach in Marc Iavaroni, who came from Phoenix, a team that doesn't have the word 'defense' in its vocabulary, and what is the result? 29th in the NBA in points allowed per game and 29th in opponent FG%. With all that talent in the lineup, there is no reason why Memphis should be this bad.

27. New York (#13, 9-26, 7-13, 2-13, 6-13 vs East): Hmm... now what to do with Isiah, Stephon, Eddy, Jamal, Quentin, David, Nate, Renaldo, Fred, Malik, Zach, Jared, Wilson and Mardy?

28. Seattle (#27, 9-27, 5-12, 4-15, 3-16 vs West): On to Oklahoma City we go...

29. Minnesota (#28, 5-31, 4-13, 1-18, 3-21 vs West): The Timberwolves recently beat Miami by 10, one of the few bright spots (along with Al Jefferson) in a year when they could possibly break the all-time record for futility. The only thing else worth looking forward to is February 8th, the homecoming of Kevin Garnett. Will the fans boo or show their appreciation? My guess is they won't respond the way Jazz fans jeered when Derek Fisher returned to Utah as an opposing player.

30. Miami (#4, 8-28, 4-11, 4-17, 3-17 vs East): 10 losses in a row and counting. When it rains, it pours. Led by The Big Everything Shaquille O'Neal, the Heat have shown that although they can fool us all by buying a championship it's just a matter of time until the true colors begin to reveal themselves. Now Little Pookie and Riles have come to find out what Kobe, Phil and Jerry have known all this time about the Big Liability - he's only there for the money.  

This is where bloggers and the rest of you sports freaks can spread more rumors. We all love to speculate about potential deals just as much as we'd like to know if there are aliens residing somewhere near the Kuiper Belt. Last I heard, the aliens did not create the rings around Saturn...

In L.A. word around town is that Maggette will be dealt soon. But to whom? Golden State has some moveable pieces, as does Sacramento who would like to reunite Bibby with Webber. My Lakers have a chance at a number four seed if they continue improving but could win it all if  Buss finds a way to land K.G. and managing to keep Odom at the same time.

Rashard Lewis may be on the move in Seattle. Minnesota may look to add someone to help Garnett instead of trading him if only they could find takers for Ricky Davis, Mike James, Mark Blount, and Troy Hudson, who are all locked up long term. Portland always has pieces to move since they haven't won anything since the infamous 4th quarter meltdown against the Lakers in Game 7 of the 2000 West Finals. Jerry West and Mike Fratello don't see eye-to-eye so a shuffling of personnel may be imminent in Memphis.

The East is loaded with trade-bait. Ty Lue in Atlanta, Antonio Daniels in Washington, Stephen Jackson in Indiana, Luol Deng and Ben Gordon in Chicago to name a few. There is also talk that Paul Pierce is getting impatient, and Richard Jefferson isn't feeling the same way anymore. In Gotham you can trade just about anybody, including Isaiah Thomas. If Herb Williams is still there, trade him too. Milwaukee needs help and is one solid player away from making the playoffs. Who will go and who will stay?

Let the fun and games begin...