Upon further review, the whole complexion of the NBA shifted with this Pau Gasol deal, which gives the Lakers a viable chance to compete with all of the great teams in the Western Conference. I've always loved Gasol's frontcourt prowless and ability to take a game over. He shoots very well, he can grab rebounds and is a competitor.

The Lakers gave up those two first-round picks but they were also able to move Kwame Brown, who has been one of the NBA's biggest busts. Memphis may eventually find a gem with one of those two picks, but right now this deal favors the Lakers, who should see immediate returns from its investment.