Rumor Central

With the NBA's trade deadline fast approaching, all sorts of Laker trade rumors are swirling. The hot rumor of the moment is that the Lakers are considering sending Lamar Odom to Utah for Carlos Boozer.

LAist is not too crazy about that idea. Boozer is an above-average NBA power forward, but what does that deal leave the Lakers with? Kobe and Boozer? That pales in comparison to Shaq and Kobe. Yes, the Lakers need a big man. But at least Lamar Odom is an all-around player who in theory could be Pippen to Kobe's Jordan. Additionally, Boozer is tied up through 2010.

On the flip side, a Caron Butler, Devean George, and Vlade Divac for Boozer trade sounds too ridiculous to believe. Of course we'd love to move Odom back to the 3, while letting Boozer bang the boards, but why Utah ever do that?

Finally, LAist would whole-heartedly support the Odom for Peja Stojakovic deal that has also been rumored. Peja was practically the NBA MVP last year before Chris Webber came back and riled up tensions. Peja doesn't miss shots, and he might actually force Kobe to shoot less. That said, we don't see it ever happening.

This week would appear to be a good time to trade Lamar Odom if they can get fair value. He hasn't worked out in LA yet, and while he might still, this could the Lakers last chance to get something good for him if Odom fails here.