Wed, Dec 15, 2010 at 12:05pm

ROCKETS LAND WILLIAMS

In a 3-team trade, Los Angeles Lakers traded Shasha Vujacic and a 2011 1st round draft pick to the New Jersey Nets; the Houston Rockets traded Sergei Lishouk to the Los Angeles Lakers; the Houston Rockets traded a 2013 1st round draft pick to the New Jersey Nets; the New Jersey Nets traded Terrence Williams to the Houston Rockets; and the New Jersey Nets traded Joe Smith, a 2011 2nd round draft pick and a 2012 2nd round draft pick to the Los Angeles Lakers.

What does it give the New Jersey Nets
The Nets didn't do as well here as it might first appear, since neither first-round pick will be a high selection (as the 2011 pick is lottery-protected and the 2012 pick isn't allowed to be higher than No. 19). Meanwhile they won't likely get much from Vujacic, whose game has eroded the past few seasons. This deal leaves the Nets without a star-level option at the shooting guard spot going forward, which will hurt all the more if Williams realizes his sizeable potential in Houston or elsewhere.

What does it give the Los Angeles Lakers
As two-time defending NBA champs the Lakers are a veteran club looking for more veteran depth and leadership. Enter Smith, who doesn't provide much on the court anymore but is an effective depth post presence in spurts and a good locker-room guy. Vujacic barely played for L.A. since the 2008-09 season, so became expendable. Getting a couple of second-rounders--plus the still-intriguing Lishchuk, who has yet to play in the NBA--is a nice bonus in this deal, especially considering the first-rounder L.A. gives up is so protected.

What does it give the Houston Rockets
The Rockets have quietly done a nice job of building the NBA's deepest roster talent-wise, and getting Williams only adds to that. Williams had some significant discipline problems in New Jersey but is a superstar-level talent, so this is a bit of a steal for the Rockets. The 2012 first-rounder they give up doesn't apply if it lands in the draft lottery, so they have to be thrilled. The only issue is finding playing time for Williams on a bench that also includes Kyle Lowry, Courtney Lee, Chase Budinger, Brad Miller, Chuck Hayes, and Jordan Hill.

Fantasy impact