Harden’s disappearing act in the NBA Finals didn’t help his cause and neither did the reported contractual objections he engaged in prior to being dealt. All in all it looked like this was inevitable.

So now the question most are asking is whether or not the Thunder has given away the X-Factor that could be the difference between defending their Western Conference crown or watching the Lakers in the Finals this season.

The easy answer is to wait and see.

Gary A. Vasquez-US PRESSWIRE

It’s not like the Thunder traded away Kevin Durant. Nor did they get draft picks and cash alone in return. Rookie Jeremy Lamb has the look of a real asset in the NBA. His ability to play both guard spots in addition to a defensive prowess makes Lamb a suitable substitute for Harden. At least on paper.

Lamb will find it impossible to match Harden’s production. Let’s not forget Harden was a top 3 pick in the draft yet it took until his third year to settle in as a productive sixth man. Lamb will be fortunate to follow a similar arc.

As far as the Lakers are concerned seeing Harden head to Houston is welcomed. Anything to diminish OKC’s chances in the short-term works perfect for a veteran team like the Lake Show. This season is about winning…NOW.

Kobe Bryant needs to pull even with Jordan in ring count as his days are now numbered. Steve Nash is on his last legs with regards to title chasing. While Pau Gasol and Metta World Peace seek to further fill their resume as their careers come to a conclusion.

Anything that helps the Lakers in the immediate future is a good thing. Harden departing OKC is certainly one of those occurrences.

However I’m not so sure his absence alone equates to an easier path to another Downtown parade. Obviously Oklahoma City’s depth is lessened. As we learned from the departure of Lamar Odom, replacing a quality sixth man is near impossible. All that production went wanting for the Lakers last season so OKC should expect similar results in that regard.

Where this makes no difference at all to the Lakers is the fact that Mike Brown still doesn’t have a productive bench. Each of those 8 painful preseason losses reminded us of how thin the Lakers’ second unit still is. Matching the production of OKC’s starters is more feasible now but being able to maintain, expand or even take a lead with L.A.’s second five on the floor will still prove problematic.

The real problem is that we’re talking about an argument on paper. That’s the worst kind of argument there is in sports. Until we see these two teams on the court then all we can assume is that the Thunder is still the team to beat in the West. The Lakers, no matter how improved, are still out to prove they can take the Thunder’s crown.

Age: 22

Mar 21, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; Los Angeles Lakers small forward Devin Ebanks (3) looks to set the play during the game against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. The Lakers defeated the Mavericks 109-93. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-US PRESSWIRE

NBA Experience: 2 Years

Contract Status: Free agent

2011-12 Averages: 4.0 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 16.5 mpg, 41% FG, 65% FT

It’s been an awkward two years of pro ball in Los Angeles for Devin Ebanks. He had the great misfortune of being coached by Phil Jackson as a rookie. That might sound like an insult directed at the greatest coach in the history of the game but try telling any rookie that playing for PJ is fun. Known for his general disdain of having to bring along young and inexperienced players Jackson gave Ebanks the best seat in the house for Laker games during the 2010-11 season.

So entering his second season it stood to reason that things could only get better for Ebanks as he got a clean slate with Mike Brown.

Things started out well for Devin who earned himself a starting gig coming out of the abbreviated preseason. With Metta World Peace making the move to the sixth man role vacated by Lamar Odom it was already understood that Ebanks was starting but wouldn’t be getting starter’s minutes. Turns out he wouldn’t be getting any minutes. After only a few starts Ebanks was back in the same seat he had on Jackson’s watch.

Before long it was back to the D-League for Devin as he was a complete after thought in Brown’s rotation.

Then opportunity came knocking again in the form of a Metta World Peace elbow to the dome of James Harden. Once again Ebanks was elevated to the starting lineup and had some impressive showings in the playoffs. Of course once World Peace was back in the lineup it was back to the end of the bench for Devin.

Now he’s slated to be a free agent and Ebanks’ agent said earlier in the season that his client would be pursuing other options. No telling what the Lakers think of Devin but his frame, athletic ability and shooting touch are a nice building block for the type of player they’ll need going forward. As a rookie Ebanks was drawing Trevor Ariza comparisons. We know how well it worked with Ariza playing his role with the Lake Show. If Ebanks is anything similar the Lakers could already have one piece of the championship puzzle…that’s if they re-sign Devin and finally commit to developing him.