There is one obstacle that many are overlooking when it comes to the Lakers' ability to trade Shaquille O'Neal.

That obstacle is Kobe Bryant.  That the free-agent is staying in Los Angeles is not a certainty, and it is something the Lakers must know before they decide to let go of the game's most dominant big man.

The Lakers need a commitment from Kobe but in fact, this may be difficult to obtain.  The leverage Bryant now enjoys would disappear.

The Lakers' off-season mess is further compounded by this dilemma.