Is it Time to Roll Out the Welcome Mat for the Lakers?

About one year ago, the Lakers assembled what seemed to be the best team in the league, without doubt.  Already winning three championships with Shaq and Kobe carrying the team, the Lakers added two more future Hall of Famers.  Karl Malone and Gary Payton took huge pay cuts for a chance at a ring.  Now the season has ended and they are ring-less.  

After reaching the Finals, and getting beat 4-1 by the team-first, defense-first Pistons, the Lakers are falling apart.  Whatever lineup we see next year will be dramatically different.  The only questions is, how good will the Lakers be?  The first member to disband was Phil Jackson, who didn't get his pursued and record-breaking tenth ring.  Then, Karl Malone, who went down with a knee injury in the Finals, said he would only return if his knee was 100%.  Derek Fisher opted out of his contract, as did Kobe.  Shaq demanded a trade.

The Lakers' Hollywood drama is at its best, and the face of the Lakers is still unknown.  It just might be, that the Lakers will be a Bottom Feeder next season.  Shaq, who demanded a trade, who will make a league-high $29 million next season.  This will make it difficult for General Manager Mitch Kupchak to trade him, despite his reputation as the most dominant force in the league.  O'Neal didn't make it easier, saying he would only play for a few teams.

The Lakers' fate will rest in how Shaq is traded.  If the rumored trade of Shaq to Dallas for Dirk+ comes true, the Lakers might find themselves in the finals again.  Kobe is expected to stay, as the team will be his, and he will get to choose his own coach.  But Shaq will be tough to trade, because of his age, salary, and injuries.  The Lakers will likely get the worst of whatever deal they make.  

Only time will tell.  Tracy McGrady recently got traded to Houston, and Shaq will likely go soon, in what may be the most exciting off-season ever, trade-wise.