NBA 2005 Mock Draft [1st Round]

[PHINATIC13]

You're right on that, Lamar(need to keep him) played alot better when Kobe was hurt then when they were both on the court at the same time.However I think when Phil comes back(and he will) they will play the Triangle offense with Kobe at the 2 guard and Lamar playing SF. We (Lakers) definitly need a point guard to run the offense through.IMO

This is true, but what the Lakers need is something to build around. A core of Bryant and Odom isn't going to do it. A core of Bryant and Paul, however, would be the NBA's best backcourt within a couple years. And honestly, I don't think Odom played that well with Bryant. He regressed tremendously from last season when he went to LA.

Of course, Phil Jax obviously isn't in it for the long haul if he comes back, so if you want to argue against an Odom-Paul trade on those grounds, there's merit to the argument. But long-term, it's clearly best for the franchise.