Confusion for the Lakers

As the start of the NBA season slowly starts to creep up, the LA Lakers are hoping it doesn't come too fast as the team appears to be in disorder right now. It all started out last week when their deal for Chris Paul got called off by David Stern. The deal looked like this:

Lakers get:

Chris Paul

Hornets get:

Lamar Odom, Luis Scola, Kevin Martin, Goran Dragic, first round pick

Rockets get:

Pau Gasol

All three teams had happily agreed to this deal and sent it to NBA commissioner, David Stern, hoping for approval. To many people's surprise, this trade was vetoed because Stern pointed out that he didn't want bigger market teams (Lakers) picking on smaller market teams (Rockets, Hornets). The Lakers thought they had landed NBA superstar Chris Paul but instead they were left with an unhappy Lamar Odom who felt disrespected that the Lakers tried to trade him. Odom didn't show up to the Lakers first day of training camp and a few days ago he demanded a trade. Sunday afternoon Odom got his wish as he was traded to Mavs for cash and a 2012 first round pick. Laker fans were stunned to find out one of the best players on the team was traded to the NBA champion Mavs for literally nothing. Sources say this move could help the Lakers get Dwight Howard because they were able to shed salary but either way, the Lakers lost the 6th man of the year to their rivals. In an interview today, Kobe Bryant was very upset and disappointed to lose one of his closest friends on the team. He made it clear that he would speak to the team's president and figure out what direction the team is going in.

This has been a very tough week for the LA Lakers as they prepare for opening day on Christmas. They need to start going for free agents because a roster with Derek Fisher as your starting PG and a weak bench does not look very intimidating to other teams.

Lamar Odom played seven seasons with LA, helping them to two championships.