Jermaine O'Neal Talks Could Re-Open

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>The point guard position has gone from undermanned to overstaffed (Bryant, Jordan Farmar, Javaris Crittenton and Sasha Vujacic) and is rich in speed, savvy and shooting.</p>

"Last year Sasha made every shot in practice and couldn't make any in games," Bryant needled. "Now he's putting it together."</p>

And Fisher is providing leadership that has been absent since the moment he signed a free agent contract with the Warriors.</p>

"Derek is holding everyone accountable on and off the court," Walton said. "He's already called two quick team meetings."</p>

I complimented Jackson on the Lakers' depth, ball distribution and new-found devotion to defense. However, something is missing if the team has serious plans to make a playoff indentation past the first round.</p>

<font size="5"> "We need a big power forward, someone who can really rebound, block shots and cover people," Jackson said. "We tried to get Kevin Garnett but couldn't."</font></p>

Jermaine O'Neal qualifies as that type, too. Negotiations broke down over the summer when the Pacers wanted Bynum (off limits) and Odom. There also was a snag involving salaries; Indiana wanted L.A. to assume $5M per more (Troy Murphy's deal) than the contracts they would pick up.</p>

Will the O'Neal trade talk be revived when Odom shows he's healthy? Is another defensive-minded, rebounding power forward available for a couple of L.A.'s assets?</p>

"I'm trying to make Bryant understand it's not over," Jackson said. "Just because the season is about to begin it doesn't mean we've stopped trying to improve."</p>

In the meantime, the above duties are the responsibility of the amply energized and undersized Ronny Turiaf.</p>

As for Bryant, he isn't going anywhere unless Jackson says so. Evidently the entire Buss family - Jerry and Jim, not just Jeanie - has given Jackson personnel power. Everyone working together suddenly rubberizes Kobe's crutch that the front office is the problem. Not anymore. Meaning, the only way Bryant will be traded is he decides not to play defense and team ball.</p>

It's nearly impossible to know what's fake, real, imagined or wishful thinking. So many people are offering so much conflicting info, and Bryant's mind has been known to swivel 180 degrees during one interview.</p>

Bottom line, if Bryant sincerely wants out of L.A., he should stop trying to play GM and waive his no-trade clause.</div></p>

Source: NY Post</p>

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Brian)</div><div class='quotemain'></p>

If we get Jermaine, does that mean Kobe trade talks will end? Does that mean Kobe will be happy in LA? If not, then it's pointless. We'd be better off keeping the pieces we currently have</p>

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It would depend on who we had to deal for JO. If the Lakers can obtain without giving up BOTH Bynum and Odom then I'd do this deal immediately. JO is an upgrade over either player and would give the Lakers are better shot at winning now. I definitely think Kobe would be in favor of this trade because it would lead to more wins and give the Lakers an anchor in the post.</p>

The fact Antoine Walker was recently traded gives me hope the Lakers can find a deal for Kwame Brown.</p>

It's going to come down to timing at this point. Let's all collectively hope for Indiana to get off to a slow start and decide to blow it up before the Lakers do.</p>

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