Exactly. What an extraordinary piece of "luck" that trade was for the Lakers.
I don't think there's a conspirarcy, but it is interesting how different the NBA's business model is different from the other leagues.
I really don't think Stern wants parity, nor, going by the TV ratings, does the average/casual fan. They want to tune in to watch another Bulls/Jordan scenario - which is what they might be getting, as the Lakers seem to be poised to run off a string of les, and Kobe will be enshrined as Jordan jr.
Simple narratives sell.