Marion to the Lakers, Jazz?

In today's edition of high-paid, whining NBA players, we have Shawn Marion asking to be traded from the Phoenix Suns.

I wish this could happen in real life: "Hey RLH Industries, I am sick of working here and would like to be sent to the OC Register for a sports writing job... make it happen."

Anyways, back to the subject at hand... There is speculation that Marion could go to the Utah Jazz (for fellow whiner, Andre Kirilenko) or to the Los Angeles Lakers (for Lamar Odom). I know Marion thinks he does not get the respect he deserves with the Suns, but he is making plenty of money in Phoenix and is part of the "big three" which includes Nash and Stoudemire.

His best shot at an NBA ring is to stay with the Phoenix Suns based on the two possible teams he would be traded to. I think both the Lakers and Jazz would take that trade any day of the week.

With the Jazz, Marion would bring just as much defense (if not more) as Kirilenko and has speed to run with point guard Deron Williams. Plus, you are moving Kirilenko to a place he would thrive and would probably be happy with the move.

With the Lakers, Marion would be teamed with his friend Kobe Bryant. Both players would welcome the change and Marion would not be as intimidated by Bryant on the team. That is the one problem Odom has with the Lakers offense, he differs to Bryant too much.

Marion would bring defense and 3-point shooting, along with an attitude that he knows he can create his own shot.

But would he fit into the triangle offense? No doubt Phil Jackson would have to make some adjustments in the offense to allow some run-and-gun with Bryant, Marion, and newly acquired Derek Fisher.

If I am Mitch Kupchak, I look at this as an opportunity to get a little forgiveness from the Lakers fans. Some.