Shaquille of the Century

The Louisiana Purchase.

Stock in Apple.

Trading for Shaquille O'neal.

Somethings shouldnt be so obvious, yet are. What do all of these have in common? When these deals were made, they became very lucrative - almost one-sided.

Case in point - the Heat's fortunes vs. the Lakers. LA sided with Kobe. Now they have a marvelous 32-36 record, a 7 game losing streak, and are struggling to stay in the playoff picture. They also decided to go with a guard who seems to be more prima donna than prime.

The Heat? 52-17 record, best in the East and gunning for the NBA best record. They clinched a playoff spot. They recently completed a 12 game winning streak. They are averaging 101.9 points a game and giving up only 94.7 per contest.

Last year, it seems the fortunes were reversed for each franchise. Well, sort of. The Heat were 42-40 at the end of last season, becoming one of the hottest teams in the entire NBA to make the playoffs and make some noise. They were young and exciting, but not an elite franchise. The Lakers were - and bounced their way into another NBA Finals. They haven't looked back since because they lack the vision to do so.

The Shaq trade turned things around for both franchises. Up for the Heat, down for the Lakers. Sure, the Lakers play in the Western conference were teams are a little more talented. But that has quickly been changing - just look at the flurry of deals that came at the trade deadline. And check out the East's young and promising talents - which comprise the best in the NBA. It isnt like the Lakers didnt get any talent in return - they got pretty much the core of that young, brash Heat team that pushed itself into the playoffs at the end of last season. Well, minus Dwyane Wade of course.

But maybe that is the difference between last year's Heat team and this year's Lakers: Wade. The Heat were 34-27 with Wade last year. The Lakers are 26-28 with Kobe this year.

Don't think that the Lakers miss Shaq? Still think they didn't make a mistake choosing Kobe over Shaq?

Well, I got a bridge in Brooklyn to sell you cheap.