I feel excellent right now. The Wizards aren't going to win the division this year. Or next year. Or the year after that. Or maybe even  the year after that. And you know what? I couldn't be happier. Yesterday, the Lakers got rid of Shaquille O'Neal. I kid you not. Simply one of the most dominating players has been traded for three guys who are nice role players, except maybe Lamar Odom. Mitch Kupchak, what did you get for Mr. O'Neal? You received Brian Grant, an overpaid "power-center" who has trouble scoring and is definitely in the twilight of his career, not that he had a very notable career anyway. Of course, Laker "fans" bring up Lamar Odom as the key guy. Sure, he is very good. He'll keep the Lakers in contention for, oh, the 8th playoff seed so the (A. T-Wolves (B. Kings or (C. Houston can just knock them out. Don't forget Caron Butler, though. I'm sure Laker fans are extremely pleased that they have finally gotten someone to replace Devean George. It looks like Mr. Crybaby will have a nice seat on the bench with his name right on it. And now, there is no question the Mailman is retiring. If Kobe doesn't resign, the Lakers lineup next year will be scary, and I mean that in a bad way. Here's a little look at how horrific it might be:

PG Gary Payton: An ancient, slow guard who has little left in the tank.

SG Kareem Rush: His "career" game is when he made a couple of 3 pointers against the T-Wolves when no one was guarding him.

SF Caron Butler: He had a good rookie season, but last year wasn't pretty.

PF Lamar Odom: Haha. It will be entertaining to watch Amare Stoudamire, Chris Webber, Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnet etc. posterize him.

C Brian Grant: I don't need to say anything more.

If this is what Buss and Kupchak are okay with, I congratulate them. The Bobcats might have a chance to sweep them. The Heat on the other hand, will kill everyone in the Southeast Division with an angry Shaq, and I will be smiling each and every time he throws one down on Kwame Brown.