TRADE RUMOR: Mike Miller/Collins to the Lakers for Lamar Odom

[pearljammer10]

Odom is miles better than Miller and I dont care what system I run, Id take Odom over Miller anyday. Miller is sooo overratted and Odom is very underratted even though he gets alot of publicity.

[jdub1660]

Mike Miller and Jason Collins to the Lakers for Lamar Odom

"This was by far my favorite this morning, as it provides exactly what both the Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves need. On the Lakers side it gives them a true small forward in Mike Miller who shoots lights-out and will even defend a little, as compared to Vladimir Radmanovic. Jason Collins is a solid defender, though he won't score at all, and would give LA the back-up they need for Andrew Bynum. On the Timberwolves side it's all about cap space. It would be unfortunate for Odom to have to spend a season losing night in and night out after being in the Finals last year, but you know what they say . . .basketball is a business."

http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=9997

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1JKOZoRbYI

Mike Miller can't defend. PERIOD. He tries, and tries really hard, but gets embarrassed time and time again. This video doesn't show all that I want, but just an example...bad one but still counts.
Either way, I like the trade both ways. LA gets a true mobile shooting SF. Vladmir can shoot most of the time, but is too sluggish for the position. He still should be a bench presence to spread the floor while Vujacic gets more open shots. As for Jason Collins...good pick up but LA sounds like a overload at C position with possibly Jelani Mcloy or whoever, Bynum, Mihm, Mbenga. I know LA loves Bigs, but still. He is more proven exp than the others to backup Bynum and Gasol if needed. And for Odom...finally he can go somewhere to help. His experience and talent can help with the growth of Love and Jefferson. I see why most would assume this as a bad situation for him, but it's a new scene and system where he could help. Maybe there he could be traded again or 3 team trade to bring him back to Miami or New York would be great as well. Good trade though.

[Who]

The whole trade Odom idea got me thinking.   What could be a better trade for them???  How about Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks for Odom and Walton.  I think Marion is an upgrade over Odom and maybe a better fit for a win now mode team who can also play the pf spot if needed.  By trading Walton as well it clears some space at the sf backup position.  If they want scoring off the bench they go to Radman if they want defense Ariza.   Banks although not an ideal choice would at least provide some insurance at the PG spot as they are a little thin there.   For Miami Odom has played well there before with Wade, is 2 years younger than Marion, and might fit better in Miami's future plans with a 26 yr old Wade and 19 yr old Beasley, than an older Marion would.   Walton is still young enough as well to be a part of the nucleus for the future.  The salaries match for this trade.

I'd be interested in seeing Miami go small in that scenario. Play Lamar Odom at center and allow Beasley to play power forward. Imagine trying to match up with that defensively?

Those two should be good enough on the boards to make it work.