Lakers Judged Most Improved Team Post-Trade Deadline

The editors at Sports Illustrated have declared that the Los Angeles Lakers are the most improved team after the trade deadline. They state that the Gasol trade alone transformed the team from, at best, a second-round playoff team into a true title contender. High praise was bestowed upon Kobe Bryant, of whom it was said, "is doing his best impression yet of Michael Jordan. He is demonstrating a killer instinct that scares every team in the league."

Bryant's 41-point game against a Phoenix Suns team, which included the newly-added Shaquille O'Neal, was cited as an example of Bryant's killer instinct - especially when his hand injury was factored in.

SI discussed the emotional impact of such midseason trades, and their huge impact. The biggest change on the Lakers is the attitude of Kobe Bryant, who very vocally wanted out before the season began. Given the success of the season thus far, and the increased prospect for post-season success fostered by the Gasol trade, this tune has made a 180 degree turn, with Bryant firmly committed to his future with the team.

According to SI, due to his versatility and ability to defer to the main star - while performing like a star himself -- Gasol is an excellent complement to Bryant. The trade has allowed Lamar Odom to place his natural position at small forward, where he is much more comfortable. All three stars are in their peak years. The Lakers have gone 7-1 since the Gasol arrival. SI speculates how good the team will be after the return next month of young center Andrew Bynum, and may very well be the team to beat in the Western Conference.

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