Still some possibilities in Kobe derby

Now that John Paxson has foreclosed any short-term possibility of the Bulls' dealing for Kobe Bryant, let's speculate about the consequences.

As before, the ball is in Kobe's court — and he'll undoubtedly pick it up and shoot it. With his destination-of-choice no longer available, Kobe will have to swallow his disappointment, choke back his anger, and play out the season with the Los Angeles Lakers. His only other option is to relax his no-trade clause and consider where else he might want to play (and live).

Assuming that several peripheral players would have to be added to the following equations to make the dollar-signs balance, here's what's possible and what's not:

To Phoenix for Shawn Marion and Leandro Barbosa

With Marion's discontent, and the expected emergence of Marcus Banks, this would be a no-brainer for the Suns — and would probably guarantee them the championship. The only foreseeable problem might be Kobe's dismay at having to concede so much ball-time to Steve Nash.

Because Marion isn't an adequate passer and can't create his own shots, the Los Angeles Lakers would be taking a huge gamble. Sure, the Matrix would help their porous defense, but is that enough? Plus, Barbosa performs best in the open court, whereas the Los Angeles Lakers rarely run.

Mainly because of the Los Angeles Lakers' reluctance to strengthen a conference rival while getting a highly questionable return, this deal is a no-go.

To Washington for Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison

Jamison would have to be included simply because Arenas for Kobe Bryant straight-up is too lopsided a deal for the Los Angeles Lakers to even consider. Even with Jamison in the mix, this exchange will never happen because the Wizards aren't a serious contender anyway, and with two of their Big Three being replaced by only Kobe, they would be at best a seventh or eighth seed.

Not a chance.

To Philadelphia for Andre Iguodala and Andre Miller

A terrific move for the Los Angeles Lakers. For Philly, the fan attraction of Kobe's coming home would have a huge impact on their attendance — and the 76ers' future would look brighter than ever. But Kobe is not interested in being the only bona fide stud on a rebuilding team.

Never happen.

To Philadelphia for Andre Iguodala, Kyle Korver and Jason Smith

This package might be closer to the mark, but Kobe Bryant would have the same objection as before.

Nope.

To New Jersey for Jason Kidd and either Vince Carter or Richard Jefferson

A great move for the Nets. But J-Kidd is too old for the Los Angeles Lakers to invest their immediate future in him.

No way.

To Sacramento for Ron Artest and Kevin Martin

Add Andrew Bynum and Vlad Radmanovic to the mix and the Kings would certainly have to be interested. This would be an advantageous trade for both sides, but once again the Kings would still be an inferior ball club and Kobe would likely balk. Also the Brothers Maloof are disinclined to make a deal with the hated Los Angeles Lakers.

Could happen, should happen, but won't happen.

To Detroit for Rip Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince and Amir Johnson

Add Andrew Bynum and this is far from being a bad idea for both teams. With Chauncey Billups, Rasheed Wallace, Antonio McDyess, Jason Maxiell and the underrated Jarvis Hayes still on board, the addition of Kobe just might provide the spark the Pistons need to push them over the top. The Los Angeles Lakers, meanwhile, would also get a close approximation of the "equal value" they've been seeking.

Does the Pistons' front office have the guts to pull the trigger? Probably not.

To Denver for Carmelo Anthony and Nene Hilario

Interesting, eh? Kobe would put some fire into the Nuggets' game plan on both ends of the floor. And, with Marcus Camby and the return of Kenyon Martin, Nene is expendable. For the Los Angeles Lakers, the swap also makes sense on every level.

Another deal that would probably require more courage, and more creative thinking, than the bigwigs of either franchise are capable of showing.

Lamar Odom to Indiana for Jermaine O'Neal

This would be a lateral move for both teams and wouldn't be sufficient to satisfy Kobe.

So, then, here's the deal that makes the most sense:

Kobe Bryant to New York for Jamal Crawford, David Lee, Malik Rose and Eddy Curry

Add Kwame Brown (or even Andrew Bynum) and Radmanovic, and neither team has any legitimate reason for saying nay.

Benefit for the Knicks: Zeke gets to keep Zach Randolph, and New York would be agog over finally having a bona fide super-duper star to root for. And even Starbury would have to take a back seat to Kid Kobe.

The Knicks' starting lineup would consist of Kobe, Marbury, Quentin Richardson, Randolph and Andrew Bynum/Kwame Brown. On the bench: Nate Robinson, Radmanovic, Renaldo Blackman, Fred Jones, Jared Jeffries, Jerome James and Randolph Morris.

Benefit for Los Angeles Lakers: Even when Crawford was in Chicago, Phil Jackson was always intrigued by his game. With the triangle providing enough of a framework, Crawford would conceivably tame his wildness and blossom into a dependable, all-star-caliber performer. Curry has plenty of flaws, but the young man can certainly score in the low-post — and he's certainly young enough to learn how to play "real" basketball. Lee, of course, would energize the entire team, while Rose would bring a warrior's mentality to set an example for whichever big man the Los Angeles Lakers would keep.

The Los Angeles Lakers' starting lineup would consist of Derek Fisher, Crawford, Luke Walton, Lamar Odom and Curry. On the bench: Lee, Chris Mihm, Brian Cook, Maurice Evans, Rose, Ronny Turiaf, Jordan Farmar, and either Brynum or Kwame Brown. (Also, with Curry in the fold, Andrew Bynum could easily be traded for a promising wing-scorer like Andres Nocioni, Willie Green, Gerald Green, Damien Wilkins, Matt Barnes, Francisco Garcia, etc.)

This is a terrific deal for both teams that would juice rating on both coasts, and should happen ASAP.

Do it!

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