Reports from anonymous sources inside the NBA league office indicate that commissioner David Stern is lobbying hard to push through a “Lebron James for J.J. Reddick and a first round pick” trade before the NBA finals tip-off this Thursday. While acknowledging that there is no precedent for such a seemingly unfair move in the days right before the finals, the Commissioner has presented a compelling case to the other owners in the league – including that recouping the $48 Million already invested in “The NBA: where Lebron vs. Kobe happens” paraphernalia would help with revenue sharing, and that the inequity issue is overblown due to the relative talent exchange being roughly equal to what the Lakers gave up to acquire Pau Gasol’s services last year.

After dismissing of the extremely undermanned Houston Rockets in seven games, the LA Lakers reported yesterday to be “proud of the overcoming the lack of adversity” their team has faced this post season. As a high-level Lakers correspondent explained yesterday:

Lots of teams have struggled to overcome adverse situations throughout the regular season and playoffs, and in the process melded together a stronger, more cohesive unit – which can make them extremely dangerous. For example, we had to play the Rockets last round, and they not only lost one all-star in the regular season, but also their all-star center during the playoffs – and his back up to boot! Towards the end I think they were starting a 5′7 maintenance worker in the front court – and it’s working through such difficult situations that really brings a team together, which is what made them such a formidable opponent.

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