There was once a time, not so long ago, that the notion of Karl Malone playing in any NBA uniform besides that of the Jazz bordered on blasphemy.

Now, with The Mailman having orally committed three days ago to leave Utah and join the Los Angeles Lakers, it is virtual reality.
     
So when, oh when, did the ties that bind begin to unravel? Last week? Last month? Last year? Or was it way before then? Is this decision really best for both the Jazz and Malone, as emotional Jazz owner Larry H. Miller says? And how, oh how, was the nearly ruined relationship between Malone and Miller mended so soon?