I hear what you are saying Brutalis, I just don't agree. Personally I think Shaq going to the Suns is a big joke that Steve Kerr and Marv Albert planned a long time ago during a redeye from L.A. to Miami. Its like a cartoon, or a circus act. Its the most ridiculous thing ever conceived. I think Phoenix will regret the decision within 2 weeks.
Thats all I'm saying. And in regards to Gasol, big deal. The Lakers got better, yes, but they didn't became God's gift to basketball simply by adding Pau Gasol, and Andrew Bynum, while he is incredibly talented has a lot of growing up to do mentally.
I think everyone is seriously overestimating the impact these trades will have on how the west ends up.
just my opinion.