The 1st move to get things going

Memphis F/C Pau Gasol was traded to the LA Lakers this afternoon for F/C Kwame Brown, rookie PG Javaris Crittenton and 2 future #1 draft picks. This might be the worst deal in Memphis history, which isn't surprising since Jerry West just left the franchise. They went from a great HOF worthy GM to the next Isiah Thomas. That's like going from a Ferrari to a Ford Escort. I don't know who their GM is currently, but I'm sure ESPN and other analysts will be revealing that information shortly enough to bash him. Pau Gasol is a legit All-Star in this league and with him, Kobe and Bynum with what is already one of the deepest teams in the league, the Lakers immediately go to the top as a top 2 or 3 team once Bynum returns (hopefully he is healthy and as good as he was before the injury). Memphis is clearly looking to build around Mike Conley Jr. and Rudy Gay, both of whom are potential perennial All-Stars in the NBA, but I just don't understand the Crittenton part of the deal. The Grizz could have gotten someone better and more useful to their franchise. They could have gotten Turiaf in return and it would have made more sense. You're telling me the Lakers wouldn't get Gasol if they had to give away Turiaf and Kwame? I guess the Grizzlies got 2 future first rounders... Too bad those picks will be in the late 20's now that the Lakers are a supreme power once again.

Now to the fantasy implications this season. Rudy Gay was already leading the team in scoring, but now his rebounding numbers will increase as well with leading rebounder Gasol gone. He was already a pleasant surprise for owners this season, but now I expect him to explode being THE #1 option and without any argument elsewhere about being "1A" to Gasol. Gay is the most obvious player that will increase production on the Grizz, but other guys like Navarro and Milicic will be depended upon more in areas as well. I expect Darko to return to his early season numbers of 10ppg, 7rpg and 2bpg here on out and Navarro to be more consistent in scoring because they will need him. For the Lakers, they've got maybe the best starting five in league now once Bynum returns:

1. Derek Fisher
2. Kobe Bryant
3. Lamar Odom
4. Pau Gasol
5. Andrew Bynum

That is just sick. With this much talent, I see Kobe's numbers dipping just slightly, but he will play harder on D and be in line for better assist and steals numbers. I think he's got a legit shot at the MVP now for this season. The Lakers are once again a force to be reckoned with and those people who trashed Jerry Buss and Mitch Kapchuk need to issue their apologies because they have this star-studded team near the top once again.