I expect that the NY Yankees will be drafting Shaquille O'Neal to prevent the Boston Red Sox from trading Garciapara to the Lakers . . . However, knowing the Yankee organization's penchant for troublemakers . . . they could end up with Kobe.

CNN

Escape from L.A.
Jackson leaves Lakers; Shaq immmediately requests trade

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) -- The Zen Master is done coaching the Los Angeles Lakers and his two biggest stars could be leaving the team, too.

Phil Jackson, one of the most successful coaches in NBA history, won't return as coach of the Lakers.

A team source told the AP on condition of anonymity that O'Neal had requested a trade. And as expected Bryant became an unrestricted free agent, opting out of his contract.