LAKERS NEWS: Just did some cruising on the internet. I was hoping that Ron Artest or Elton Brand could end up as a Laker. But that probably won't happen anymore. Artest opted to stay with the Kings at the June 30 deadline. And with Baron Davis signing with the Clippers, Brand may be very likely to stay in L.A.

But there are other guys available that could really help the Lakers. Tayshaun Prince, James Posey, or Corey Maggette. All these guys are athletic, great defenders, and can knock down open 3-pointers. The only way to get any of them is by trade. Which means, we may have to say goodbye to Lamar Odom. I would agree to that because any of these guys has shown more consistency than Odom over the years. Plus, Odom can't shoot outside very well, which all those other guys can do.

We'll see what Mitch Kupchak can come up with...