Mavericks’ trade is a fantasy of his

Mike Bresnahan covers the Lakers for The Times and ties up loose ends on the day of his self-designated “Game of the week.” The Lakers play tonight at Dallas.

The Dallas Mavericks made huge headlines by stealing, oops, trading for Caron Butler and Brendan Haywood from Washington before last week’s deadline.

Great move for the Mavericks, sure, but also for my fantasy team.

I’ve needed a center to step up and play because Mehmet Okur is a total embarrassment and Ben Wallace has a season-high of, what, three points?

Enter the rejuvenated Haywood, who was doing fairly well for me while with the Wizards, but had a 13-point, 20-rebound game with the Mavericks the other night.

Brendan Haywood owners, rejoice!

I’m thinking of sending a personal thank-you note to Mark Cuban. Maybe a box of chocolates too.

Q&A of the day

Q: How do you stay sober answering such stupid questions day after day? And these readers WANT you to bother *answering* them??-- Ned Einstein

A:Uh-oh. Someone’s been closely monitoring our weekly Lakers Q&A.

There are definitely some, uh, interesting questions that fill my inbox.

This week’s winner goes to the guy who sent me an e-mail with the header, “Late-Breaking Laker News!” followed by a thick, eight-paragraph manifesto on why Kobe Bryant’s ankle injury was caused by the Nike shoes he wears.

I’m guessing the guy works for another shoe company, maybe even that Chinese one that makes Ron Artest’s shoes and has supplied an endless number of punch lines for Phil Jackson.

Anyway, we’re only two days from the next Lakers Q&A. So please send some decent questions. I beg you. So does Ned Einstein.

Final thought

Record in weekly picks: 8-8

Talk about a fall from grace. It’s official. After starting out 7-1, I’ve lost seven out of eight.

I threatened last week to have my parents pick the next game if the Lakers lost to Boston. Thank you, Lakers. Thanks a lot.

Without further ado . . . my parents.

Dad (Jerry): “The Lakers seem to have Dallas’ number, and even though the Mavericks have two new players, the Lakers are still the better team. If I get good at this, I’m going to quit being a cardiologist and do some cake job like yours.”

Mom (Mary): “After a letdown at Staples against Boston, the Lakers will be primed to defeat a major foe on Dallas’ home court. Dallas struggled against Miami without WADE!”

The experts have spoken. I’ll go with them. Lakers will win tonight.

mike.bresnahan@latimes.com

twitter.com/Mike_Bresnahan