What is Going on in L.A.

Lakers

L.A. Lakers just traded guard Sasha "The Machine" Vujacic and their 2011 first round pick to the New Jersey - soon to be the Brooklyn New Yorkers??? - Nets for power foward Joe Smith and a pair of second round picks in a three team trade. The third team is the Houston Rockets.

Now, what the hell were the Lakers thinking? Joe Smith? I know they didn't really need Sasha, so it was probably a move just to get him out of here. But what about the fist rounder?


Dodgers

The Dodgers signed catcher Dioner Navarro to back up Rod Barajas. They have also signed pitcher Vicente Padilla to the swingman role out of the bullpen. And just today, word is they are on the verge of signing right-handed reliever Matt Guerrier to a three-year deal worth $12 million.

I don't think this is enough to catapult them into the postseason. Barajas is not a long term solution to the Dodgers' backstop. They signed Navarro believing he can be the solution, but Navarro is not any better than former catcher Russell Martin. Actually, he is worse. The Dodgers also lack the "big bat" in left field. I advocated Adam Dunn, but we saw the Dodgers didn't even give him a look. Bill Hall? Really?