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Filed under: Celtics, Lakers, Boston, Los Angeles

Back when Boston traded for Kevin Garnett (replete with a rather fat extension), we noted the Celtics had forfeited all breathing room for three shots at a title. (And everyone involved surely thinks it was worth it.) Los Angeles has the same deal going with today's trade for Pau Gasol.

The Lakers stand to sit over the luxury tax threshold for 2008-09 by a few million dollars... with nine players locked up. Ronny Turiaf will cost about another million, and the Lakers have several second-round picks this summer to fill in the slots. But -- unless Mitch Kupchak frees up some room via trade -- every signing will cost double his salary when you add in the luxury tax.

There's one more thing: This summer, Andrew Bynum is eligible for a contract extension, which would kick in for the 2009-10 season. If L.A. does not sign him this summer, he would a restricted free agent in 2009. That fat contract (starting around $13 million/year) will negate any relief from Lamar Odom's contract expiration after 2008-09. In that summer, Read the full post at AOL Fanhouse

• Sporting News Love Shaq: All-Stars miss having fun-loving O'Neal around Feb 17
• AOL Fanhouse Trade Machinations: Mike Miller to Indiana Feb 19
• Yahoo! Sports All-Stars miss fun-loving Shaq (AP) Feb 17
• ArmchairGM M - V - Pinky Feb 19
• ESPN KG feels 'great', eyes return tonight vs. Nuggets Feb 19
• Fox Sports Report: Garnett hoping to play Tuesday Feb 17
• ESPN Report: Garnett hopeful return will come Tuesday Feb 17
• Ball Hype In lieu of Garnett, It's Been the Class of 2006 Feb 17