They traded Shaq because he wanted out. He hates Buss and Kupchak for firing Phil Jackson (even though Jackson sabotaged contract talk on purpose) and how they handled the team.
Lakers got Lamar Odom, Caron Butler, Brian Grant, and a first round pick. Plus, they got him out of the western conference. I like this trade because Odom is 24 and has a very bright future as well as Butler, but Grant brings with him a big contract too. I dunno, this is the Best Deal the Lakers could have gotten and I have to stay positive even though I doubt they will get back to the championship in a few years.
To put it simply; The Lakers did this for the next 10 years. I don't know what they are going to look like (Kobe and Fisher not resigning, Payton being traded, Malone retireing, George and Fox having surgery) at the beginning of the season, but I'm happy that I can no longer be called a Bandwagoner cus I'm a Laker fan
They'll get to the playoffs.