All I want for Christmas...

I know what I want for Christmas.  I actually wanted him for my birthday over the summer but he was too much money.  The price has fallen since then and I've come to realize that the market has shifted to the buyer's advantage.  I want Jason Kidd.  And I know I have what it takes to get him.

As has been reported, Jason Kidd is on strike.  It's not a possibility, it's a fact.  And this was only reinforced when he basically mailed it in (although mailing it in for Kidd means 10/7/7) against Houston Friday night.  Eight of his 10 points came in the fourth quarter.  Of course, this was after he "called in sick" for Wednesday's contest against the lowly New York Knicks.

Kidd is trying to force Nets GM, Rod Thorn's hand.  He's saying without saying, "Extend me or trade me."

The love affair between Kidd, Kobe Bryant, and Phil Jackson is no secret.  Kidd and Kobe were Team USA teammates over the summer.  Mitch Kupchak's unwillingness to part with Andrew Bynum is the only reason Kidd is not a Laker today.  And, of course, we all remember Phillip lambasting Bryant in his tell-all book, "The Last Season," actually requesting Kidd & Shawn Marion from the Phoenix Suns for Bryant.  

All is quiet on the Laker front now for three reasons.  First, they have posted a winning record without their defensive stud (yeah, I said "defensive stud"), Kwame Brown for most of the season.  Second, the Bench Mob - with it's leave-it-all-on-the-floor attitude and ability to spell the starting rotation without losing much ground - is another major factor.  Third, this team has chemistry. 

Thankfully, the Lakers can immediately propel themselves into World Championship contention without screwing up chemistry.  Here's how.  The Lakers send Lamar Odom and Vladamir Radmonovich to the Nets for Kidd.  The trade is appealing for Los Angeles for obvious reasons and addresses positional deficiencies in New Jersey.

You argue that Lamar is match-up nightmare and Vlad a dead-eye from three.  I argue that Lamar has been consistently inconsistent his entire career and Vlad is overachieving thus far this year.  

One intangible Lamar and Vlad will not have before it's too late is veteran leadership and that is something this team so badly needs.