By Peter D. Walker:

Memo to:

    Mitch Kupchak, LA Lakers / Steve Kerr, Phoenix Suns

   "Dudes, the NBA trading deadline isn’t until February 21st."

Seems they don’t really care as both the Lakers and Suns GM’s made bold and decisive moves a couple of weeks in advance on the NBA trade deadline.

No one saw these deals coming. Both were total shocks to virtually everyone around the NBA, including players, executives, media and the fans.

                    

Kupchak engineered the first of back-to-back blockbusters when he stole Spanish PF Pau Gasol from the Memphis Grizzlies. Not to be outdone, Steve Kerr went a step further and pried Shaquille O’Neal away from the Miami Heat.

Both moves are high risk/ high reward, albeit that the Suns move has a higher risk factor. Clearly, the Lakers and Suns both believe this is their year and were willing to make a couple of gutsy deals in search of an NBA ring. Make no mistake that these dramatic moves were made with an eye on the playoffs, where powerful front courts can be the difference maker.

Lakers become Western favorites

The Lakers went from a solid competitive team to the team most likely to be the Western Conference representative in the 2008 NBA Finals. A front court of Gasol and Bynum is as good a 4/5 duo as there is in the NBA.

Add the talents of Kobe Bryant and you have the #1 Big Three in the NBA (yes, they’re better than KG, Allen and Pierce). When Bynum returns from injury, the LA Lakers will be favorites in the West.

Suns will be breathing down the Lakers' necks

While making a riskier move by swapping their best defensive player in Shawn Marion for an aging Shaq, the Suns made it clear they weren’t going to be outdone. No doubt, Shaq can’t run with the Suns. But, he provides an interior presence that the Suns lacked, particularly come play off time.

Over the near term, the 4/5 duo of Shaq and Amare is likely somewhat stronger than Bynum/Gasol (but not by much). However, the Lakers enjoy a level of depth which is superior to the Suns, which is why I give a slight edge to Los Angeles.

While the Lakers acquisition was met with near unanimous approval, the Suns deal has received a mixed reaction – which is understandable because Shaq’s skills are declining and his style of play seems an odd fit in Phoenix.

Having said that, the Shaq acquisition is an excellent move for the Suns. O’Neal’s interior presence will make Amare, Steve Nash and Babrbosa even more dangerous.

Without a doubt, come playoff time, it’s the Lakers and the Suns who will be the two dominant teams. To make it more interesting will be the rivalry between Kobe and Shaq Daddy. Both will play extra hard in order to make an resounding statement to the other.

Does the rest of the West react or stand pat?

San Antonio, Dallas, New Orleans and Utah have taken a hit based on these two mega-deals. The question now is, “will the Spurs, Mavs, Hornets or Jazz” rock the basketball world with blockbusters of their own?”

It promises to be an interesting two weeks leading up to the trade deadline. Who knows? Might Kerr and Kupchak have more deals up their sleeve?"