There is a pretty solid rumor abuzz the internet that Jermaine O’neal is actually pushing to be traded to Los Angeles to play alongside Kobe Bryant.

“I would welcome a trade to the Lakers,” said O’Neal. “Indiana has given me the opportunity to establish myself as a really good player in this league, but they’re into rebuilding and going really young, and I’m just not in a position physically to go through another five to six years with a lot of losses and a lot of down time.”

Earlier in the off season the Pacers were willing to part with O’neal for Bynum and Odom but the Lakers refused to make the deal stating they were only willing to part with either Bynum or Odom, but both would not be included in the package.

Although adding O’neal would not take the Lakers to the promise land instantly, I think adding a legitimate “All Star Caliber” big man to our roster would be the first step back into title contention. With O’neal publicly stating his intentions, it definitely boost’s LA’s chances of landing him before the start of the season. The pressure is on Bird since O’neal has already mentioned that he will opt out after the 2007-2008 season.

“My decision is for me to get better as a player, and if things don’t work out this year,” he said, “I have an option in my contract next year and I will opt out and become a free agent.”

Bird has also publicly stated his response to O’neal’s wish to be moved so there is a possibility of this trade actually going down.

“Jermaine has become an All-Star player with the Indiana Pacers and in any discussions regarding him or any of our other players, the expectations for the franchise and our fans is to receive fair market value in return if a trade is to be considered.”

After looking at several trade scenarios over the web, I thought that this would be the best trade possible for both teams to benefit.

Lakers trade to Pacers:

Jordan Farmar
Lamar Odom
Vlad Radmanovic
Kwame Brown
A 2009 1st round pick

Pacers trade to Lakers:

Mike Dunleavy
Jermaine O’Neal (with the assurances that you can sign him to an extension)

New Line ups

Indiana Pacers

Tinsley/Diener/Farmar/Greene-released?
Daniels/Williams/Rush/Owens-released?
Granger/Radmanovic/Graham-released?
Odom/Diogu/Foster
Murphy/Brown/Harrison

That cuts their payroll and gives them more flexibility once Kwame Brown is off of the books. Plus it allows them to be more uptempo and play pressure defense–something Jim O’Brien is known for.

Los Angeles Lakers

Fisher/Crittenton/Vujanic
Kobe/Evans/Karl-released?
Dunleavy/Walton
O’Neal/Turiaf/Cook
Bynum/Mihm

This gives the Lakers one of the deepest front line’s in the league and clears room for Crittenton to develop as a point guard. Dunleavy seems to be someone who would do well in the triangle offense since he really can’t create too many high percentage shots on his own. Although this deal would put the Lakers in cap hell long term (if they expect to keep Bynum) it should make them competitive enough to challenge for home court in the first round.

I think this is a win-win situation for both teams. Thoughts?

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