NBA Trade Rumors: Why the Lakers Should Trade for Boris Diaw

With the Bobcats putting center Boris Diaw on the trading block, the question becomes, who would be crazy enough to trade for him? Well, after giving it considerable thought, I'm thinking, realistically, one team could actually benefit from the move—the Los Angeles Lakers.

Crazy, you say? Crazy like a fox, I say.

There are a few good reasons for the Lakers to consider the move. First and foremost, they have the means to obtain him without having to give up anything except a draft pick or less. They have the trade exception from Lamar Odom.

Second, Diaw is a player that would bring a lot of the things Odom used to bring to the table. He's a big guy that defends well. He is an excellent passer for a big man. He has three-point range.

He doesn't rebound nearly as well, though, and he's two inches shorter.

I would say he's Lamar Odom light, but really, there's nothing light about him.

Still, another big to play defensive minutes, a player with decent vision and the ability to spread the court are three different needs the Lakers have and that all could be met with the acquisition of a single player who would cost them little to nothing.

The best part is that if it doesn't work out, it doesn't matter. His contract expires at the end of the season.

The chance to play for a contender might motivate him, get him to drop some pounds and hustle a little more. Having Diaw, Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum at the 3, 4 and 5, respectively, would be intriguing.

Of course, the other side of the argument is that the last thing the Lakers need is another big man standing around watching Kobe Bryant in the postseason.

It's a thought worth thinking.