Since the NBA lockout ended a couple weeks ago, the Los Angeles Lakers have been at the centre of just about every single trade rumour that’s included a superstar player wanting to leave his current team. It was only a few days ago that it all appeared one of those player, Chris Paul, was on his way to the Lakers only to have Stern and the owners block the trade.  The Lakers now insist they will not resubmit a trade to the league trying to acquire Paul and have pulled out of the sweepstakes.

Despite claiming to not want Paul anymore ,General Manager Mitch Kupchik must have a couple of other tricks up his sleeves, otherwise why would have he traded Lamar Odom to the Dallas Mavericks yesterday for an unknown player or draft pick right now? One likely scenario is the Lakers are trying to free up some cap space and create more openings at the forward positions before pursuing Dwight Howard.

Regardless of what the motive behind trading Odom was and what future player moves are potentially on the horizon, the speculation has left Kobe Bryant in a foul mood. Bryant and Odom have developed a strong relationship during their time together and become close friends. Most importantly, Bryant understands the role Odom has played in the Lakers’ success.

Thanks to Greg Beacham of the AP for captruing Kobe’s thoughts on the Odom trade:

“To be honest with you, I don’t like it, It’s tough to lose Lamar, Pau (Gasol) is still here, and we’re all thankful for that. It’s hard when you’ve been through so many battles with players to just see them go somewhere else. It’s tough.”

“It’s tough. … Do I think we got too little? Who did we get? I don’t think Mark Cuban is protesting this trade.”

“You’re talking about the sixth man of the year last year, who averaged 14.4 points, 8.7 rebounds and 3 assists while playing in all 82 games last season. He played lights-out. I don’t understand the criticism of reality shows and this. I don’t get that. He had his best season last year, clearly wasn’t a distraction, played his (rear) off. I don’t get where that comes from.”

I am a huge fan of Kobe going on record and criticizing the trade. It is ridiculous given that L.A. hasn’t even received a player in return that we’re aware of. Considering the league didn’t allow the CP3 trade to go through because of “basketball reasons”,  I can’t imagine this would pass whatever those qualifications are. How can trading one of the best  bench players in the world for virtually no one be considered legitimate?

By Chad Margulius