Blockbuster Trades

Both, the Lakers and the Suns, make the right decisions.

Pau Gasol lands in Hollywood as Shaquille O'Neal heads to the desert. Over the last week, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies have completed a trade as well as the Phoenix Suns and Miami Heat. Gasol was traded to the Lakers from Memphis for Kwame Brown, Javaris Crittenton, and Aaron McKie. The "Big Diesel" (Shaq) was sent to the Suns from Miami in exchange for Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks.

In his debut with the Lakers, it was Gasol, not Kobe, who was the leading scorer and main man against the New Jersey Nets. Pau racked up 24 points and 12 rebounds which is outstanding, especially for his first game. Along with these stats, the Lakes came out on top 105-90. He will be a big help for them as L.A. is in search for another NBA title.

Many Phoenix fans ask themselves whether getting
Shaq was a good thing or bad thing. Despite him being injured for another two weeks before making his debut, the Phoenix trainers have stated that when they are done working with him, he will feel like he's 20 years old; that is something the fans want to hear because when Shaq was in his early 20's, he was unstoppable!

My Opinion: Gasol is definitely a great addition to the Lakers; with Andruw Bynum sidelined for another 7 weeks, Pau will be handling some of the load instead of Kobe doing everything himself. With his ability to score, defend, and run the floor, the Lakers have a chance to make a run for the best in the west. With Shaq on the Suns, Amare Stoudemire will have a chance to act more "freely" on the offensive end instead of going up against the big man on every team; Shaq will also be able to display his power and defense on both ends of the court. Could the Suns win their first NBA title? We will find out soon!