NEW YORK -- In my concocted dictionary an enabler is someone who waters the weeds.

Alongside the definition is a picture of Jerry Buss. "The NBA's most dangerous gardener this season," confirms the caption.

No owner proved to be more divisive.

By choosing to champion his wild flower, the odd ball Lakers leader went about infecting every other form of plant life without pretext or apology.

By catering to Kobe Bryant's every craving and quirk, Buss (un)consciously divided Dysfunction Junction forever more, alienated Phil Jackson right off the sidelines and estranged Shaquille O'Neal to the point of no return.

By aligning with the maligned instead of keeping the faith in a man responsible for guiding two teams to titles nine times and favoring the considerably more coachable, sociable superstar, Buss left himself wide open to be exploited.

By siding with the insurgent over authority Buss is begging for further disorder in his court.

By picking Kobe over Jackson, Shaq and their loyalists, Buss has done everything to entice Kobe to re-up short of getting Lance Ito to officiate in Eagle.

Welcome to the NBA's version of "Escape From L.A." that officially comprises everyone including Kurt and Bryon Russell.

Possibly even Kobe; wouldn't that be a kick in the gardener's gut!

Despite Buss' unvarying priorities, as well as a vow not to sign-and-trade Kobe, no matter what, Bryant continues to slither like a garden snake.

Out of one fang he continues to entertain the notion to test the free agent market -- to see if the dirt is darker on the other side -- while upholding a desire to be a Laker for life out of the other fang.

Granted, who knows what's going on behind closed doors?

Buss and Kobe, along with Karl Malone, met long into the night following Game 5 in Auburn Hills (the most teamwork they showed all series) so maybe a cozy arrangement already has been consummated.

Or not.

One way or the other, given the owner's comprehensive commitment to Kobe you would think he would quickly pledge allegiance to Buss, or, at least you would hope he wouldn't allow him to twist too long in the Santa Ana winds.

That Buss is out there wobbling on the ledge by his lonesome might say everything we don't want to know about Kobe's flawed character.

Fact is, at this point none of us have any idea of where Kobe is going except to Colorado . . . with his trial face on.

After that, who knows?

Now that Kobe's in position to essentially name his own price, coach and teammates, why on earth would he leave?

Because he can, as Bill Clinton explains.

Because flexing his power fascinates Bryant. Because he gets off on seeing how far he can push himself into greatness . . . and perhaps how much he can get away with.

Would any of us really be all that surprised to learn that Kobe simply wants to bolt for a bigger challenge on a more intimidating stage?

What if Kobe should defect to the capsized Knicks?

Nike, say sources, is prepared to double his $45 million contact should he be found not guilty and winds up playing in New York.

What if he splits for San Antonio or Phoenix or remains in L.A. with the Clippers?

What if Buss actually lets him walk away without compensation?

That's a lot more likely to happen than Shaq forcing an inequitable trade.

The Mavericks, I'm told, already are on that case, offering any number of established stars other than Dirk Nowitzki, and their most talented youngsters for un-chosen one.

Naturally, they'll be plenty of other ardent suitors, but only high rollers like Mark Cuban, Paul Allen, James Dolan and, perhaps, finally, Rich Devos are equipped to meet Shaq's contract demand.

None possess the personnel (an imposing center) to tempt the Lakers, which is precisely why, I'm informed, they're angling to recruit Warrior Erick Dampier as a clear-cut free agent or via a sign-and-trade, should the league's premier defensive rebounder opt out (by June 30) of his final two years.

What's critical to understand about Shaq is his salary -- $27,696,429 next season, $30,642,858 in 2005-2006 -- all but prohibits pride and principal from prompting him to do something stupid.

His contract is grandfathered, meaning if traded, he's eligible for a 12 1/2 percent yearly increase on an extension or a new deal.

However, if he exercises his option after next season or leaves as a free agent at any time, he's only entitled to sign elsewhere for one third of the cap . . . currently $45 million.

While the Lakers own no leverage regarding Kobe they dominate it, pertaining to Shaq. One of them appears guaranteed to go, maybe both.

In order to prevent L.A. Lore from lowering itself to the sinkhole of three decades ago, one of them must stay put; after winning 33 straight and a title in 1971-72, the Lakers fell from 69 to 60 to 47 and to 30 over the next three seasons.

Now, instead of working on a mock draft, I can devote all my waking hours to a Lakers mock roster . . . coach and all.

Am I the only one out there who gazes at a gimme for L.A.'s next bench jockey?

Hey, the guy succeeded (without success) Jackson once, and, as fate would have it, he just happens to be available again . . . Tim Floyd, come on down.

So, with Jackson having flown the coop and O'Neal looking to Shaq up elsewhere, Buss is ready to give the keys to the white Bronco to someone who will undoubtedly control his next coach (handpicked or not) and be even less a team player, with an obviously inferior stable of subordinates.

Should Kobe indeed be the last man standing, the Lakers transformation over the past 30 years would be complete . . . they would have gone fromm the Big Dipper (Wilt Chamberlain) to the Big Zipper.