The LA media has painted Jerry Buss and Mitch Kupchak as the bad guys. Mitch Kupchak is not very good on relationships. I saw him 4 times and each time I passed him he ignored me. I talked to Jerry West every single time I saw him. I met him in the parking lot of a golf course we talked for at least 10 minutes. He's the NBA logo. If anyone merited ignoring people it would be Jerry West but who does Mitch Kupchak think he is?

The players must feel the same way I do about Mitch Kupchak. He is stiff, to the point of looking angry, with no communication and inter-personal skills whatsoever. He might have success despite his personality but in the business of player relations I think he would receive a grade of F.

Mitch Kupchak takes care of all the business for Dr. Buss. Dr. Buss makes brief appearances at the Laker games with his harem close by his sides and very rarely ever speaks to the media except after winning the championship. He takes the out of sight, out of mind philosophy to owning an Nba team. Dr. Buss has had success as an NBA owner. The Maloofs and Mark Cuban always have something to say and leave no doubt on where they stand on a multitude of issues but don't have any championships to speak of. The Maloofs and Mark Cuban would be happy to see Mitch throw Shaq into their laps.

Shaq-less in LA is almost a done deal. Whether Mitch or Dr. Buss caused Shaq to feel like trade bait the damage has been done. As the Lakers play the role of bad guy Shaq can be traded for a few quality players this year instead of waiting until next year and get nothing.

The most likely teams Shaq would play for are Dallas, Sacramento and San Antonio. Will Dallas trade Dirk Nowitski and Steve Nash? Will Sacramento give up a guard like Bobby Jackson or Mike Bibby with a player like Stojakovic? Will San Antonio trade Devean Brown, Mano Ginobili and Malik Rose? I heard a rumor about Indiana offering Jermaine O'Neal and Ron Artest for Shaq. In the final analysis Shaq will not be in a Laker uniform next season. Hopefully the Lakers acquire a few young players that don't need 3 days rest to recover for the next game.

This is a team not run by Mitch Kupchak or Dr. Buss but by Kobe Bryant. Kobe hated Phil and he is gone. Kobe dislikes Shaq and he is almost out the door. Seems like Kobe Bryant is the Lakers GM and maybe he should coach the Lakers and save some money on a coaching staff. No matter who becomes the next Laker head coach if they can't get along with Kobe they won't be around for long. Someone will have to get Kobe to believe in the philosophy they bring with them in order to succeed as a head coach for the Lakers. If Kobe should decide not to return Mitch and Dr. Buss will have to spend all the millons on some other players for next season. It would be nice to see the Lakers once again attack the basket and run some fast breaks. Change is good, I think?