"The World's Greatest Pickup Game — a k a the NBA All-Star Game in Orlando — could get a little serious come Feb. 26. And, folks, these things are never serious.

But let me ask you this: Could a matchup pitting Dwight Howard against Andrew Bynum be just for fun?

Because it looks as if Howard of the Magic and Bynum of the Lakers will be the starting centers for their respective conferences … and because the trading deadline is 18 days after the exhibition … and because there's talk of Howard being traded for Bynum …

Wouldn't it stand to reason that Dwight vs. 'Drew — after two days of media saturation — might not be all uncontested alley-oops, layups and hugs? Oh, my kingdom for some real all-star drama.

Or here's an idea: Why not just save everyone in Orlando and L.A. the trouble and the moving expenses and trade Dwight and 'Drew minutes before tipoff?

Put Howard in the West jersey and Bynum in the East uni (and keep an extra East jersey on hand if Pau Gasol also has to trade one coast for another).

No muss, no fuss, Jim Buss.

Cover it on TV like a reality show, with Justin Bieber presenting the uniforms to Howard and Bynum.

(Besides, the game would give Howard a taste of what it's like playing with Kobe Bryant. Kobe doesn't pass during the regular season; you think he's giving it to Dwight (or Bynum) in the All-Star Game? He took 23 shots in last year's game so he could win MVP.)

Howard says he doesn't think he'll be traded until after the game leaves town. True, but if GM Otis Smith gets an offer he can't refuse before the event arrives, he should act on it."