Extra! Extra! (1.22)
Aside from further strengthening U.S. and Canadian relations through friendly competition, tonight's match against the Raptors marks the official halfway point of the season. As it stands, the Lakers are guaranteed to finish above the .500 mark (whether by one or three games remains to be seen). Either way, it's all about the postseason, and if the season ended right now (totally unfair, by the way), L.A. would own the 7th spot, gearing for a rumble against the Suns. Given the team's recent "success" battling Phoenix, perhaps it wouldn't hurt to climb up a few spots on that ladder.
Try to get behind this concept: Kobe for MVP.
Another day, another round of Artest rumors. Peter Vecsey still insists the team's debating Odom or Bynum for Ron Ron (of course, many consider his reports the sports equivalent of Page Six). That being said, PJ says it's all good if the oft unstable forward joins the Laker Nation, with the Zen Master more concerned about how quickly Artest can figure out the triangle than his loco-ness.
A couple fellas have been pleasant surprises this season. Smush bounced around various basketball leagues his whole career, so his reasonably steady play (and occasional highlight film material) is understandably an eye opener. As for Sasha, his commitment to local hoops over world play was the key to finding his place in L.A.
Knowing that Ron Artest isn't all their, I beleive Phil of all coaches would be able to handle him. To me, it's worth the risk to take in Artest but unfortunately, not for Bynum or Odom. Bynum has a very bright future ahead of him, and it's a feeling all Laker fans have. Odom has have his up's and downs throughout this season, but give him another year to show improvement. I feel Odom is going to be an All-Star by next year.
If ex-GM Jerry West was still running the show, I'm quite sure Ron Ron would be in a Laker uniform right now without giving up Odom or Bynum. West had a way of negotiating that I feel Mitch Kupchak doesn't have. But also, West had an eye for talent in the NBA that no other GM had or in-fact have today.
I still believe in order for L.A. to get Artest, their would have to be a third team involved with the Laker's having to give up a Medevenko, Green, Mihm, and/or George. Otherwise, forget a trade and lets just move on. Our team is getting better with or without an addition of Ron Artest.
Posted by: Ron | January 22, 2006 at 10:09 AM
Wanted to throw this out there: What about Odom and Walton for Paul Pierce? Talk about a consistent second scorer. And a hometown boy no less. I am really opposed to dealing Bynum, even before the dunk heard round the world.
Posted by: The Fav | January 22, 2006 at 10:30 AM
How about Odom for Artest and 2 first round picks for next 2 years???
Posted by: AB | January 22, 2006 at 10:58 AM
Bynum? Bynum? I wouldn't trade him for Tim Duncan. Please don't. It would be like trading the magic bean for a cow. It might look good now, but the bean could bring gold later and the cow won't.
Posted by: Gary | January 22, 2006 at 11:47 AM
I'm watching the NUggets and Spurs on ABC man I love earl boykins he's fearless. man If the lakers had someone like that off the bench every night. EARL BOYKINS ROCKS!
Posted by: Crazy 8 | January 22, 2006 at 12:12 PM
If we lose to Toronto tonight, let's just throw in the towel.
Posted by: Crazy 8 | January 22, 2006 at 12:33 PM
When is RONNY TURIAF SUPPOSED TO PLAY????
Posted by: Marco | January 22, 2006 at 12:37 PM
I would say let's see what George and Walton do in the next couple of weeks. If they don't step up then I'm for trading them (even more than I am now). I wouldn't give up Odom unless it was for Paul Pierce (not for Artest), but that would mean making Kobe the facilitator in the triangle again because Pierce doesn't have the aptitude to do it unless Pierce embraces that role and takes it on himself (which I doubt). As far as Bynum, DO NOT LET HIM GO. We could have him locked up til at least 2010 at the rate we have him now, so he can learn how to play with the Lakers, hone his skills, and become a huge contributor either next year or the year after ON THE CHEAP. Assuming we let George go (Slave is a given), we have $10 million to use next year, so we need to spend it wisely in the off-season.
Posted by: Rich1906 | January 22, 2006 at 12:53 PM
I hope Phil sets his bias against rookies aside and plays Ronny Turiaf tonight. Prior to the last road trip, Turiaf said he was pleased with the way he had practiced. Kobe also said that Turiaf had practiced extremely well. Play Ronny, Phil!
Posted by: weedpatch | January 22, 2006 at 01:19 PM
The Fav,
Odom & Walton for Pierce is a NO NO!
1) Pierce is so selfish.
2) We need an offensive and/or defensive player.
3) I like Odom.
4) He (Pierce) may be a scorer, but not a defender.
5) We already have Kobe Bryant.
==
I think the best possible trade for Artest by the Lakers is giving up Walton/Slava, and George.
Posted by: shaq_hater | January 22, 2006 at 01:37 PM
i would trade George for Artest or another marquee player but not much else. he doesn't get enough credit for being always ready, always playing great defense, knowing the triangle, making big shots (streaky but he makes more often than naught,) and being a leader in the locker room. he is especially important when the bench takes the floor and always makes an impact when he comes into the game. he doesn't have any issues with his role and never has. i think he is a real big positive to to the team and should not be taken lightly when it comes to throwing his name out there as trade bait. Slava and Luke are much more expendable, in my opinion. mostly because they can't play defense. Kudos to D.George - keep up the great effort and being the quiet leader off the bench that you have been. hopefully, we can negotiate a deal with ya during the summer or do a sign and trade that is acceptable to you, as a reward for seven great years of wonderful effort!
Posted by: ochonator | January 22, 2006 at 02:00 PM
Do you think that Indy would take Kwame Brown, Devean George, Slava, and whatever draft picks ($15.5M in salaries) in return for Artest and the injured Jonathan Bender ($13.6M)?
George and Slava come off the books a year earlier than Bender, so they'd have at the least luxury tax relief for next year. And Kwame's deal is only for one more season after this one, if things do not work out in Indy. And on top of that, they'd get a pick or two.
As far as the Lakers, taking Bender doesn't really hurt because his deal only runs through 2007, and we won't have a chance at cap room this summer anyway. Odom would have to move back to PF, though. And bringing on Artest's contract while keeping Odom's would make it difficult (if not impossible) to sign a max salary player in 2007, but with Kobe/Artest/Odom, the Lakers may only need complimentary players to take it to a championship level...
Posted by: Jova | January 22, 2006 at 02:05 PM
More Kobe bashing . . .
Once again, a major magazine bashes Kobe. This time "Gentleman's Quarterly" drops a load of bricks on Number Eight.
In an article entitled "The Ten Most Hated Athletes," the author ranks Kobe number five on the most-hated list.
One could say things are looking up for Kobe; last year he probably would have ranked number one. Anyway, here's the link:
http://men.style.com/gq/features/landing?id=content_4103
Note: Which ex-teammate disses Kobe in the article? Maurice Carter.
Posted by: Dunleavy's Kid | January 22, 2006 at 02:51 PM
The future is NOW. By the time Bynum develops -- if he ever develops, that is -- Kobe will be past his prime and the Lakers still won't be in a position to win a title.
So I say trade Bynum NOW if it means we can land Artest. With Kobe, Lamar, and Ron-Ron, the Lakers would have a shot at a title. If not this year, maybe next year.
(Note: Heck, I'm still not convinced Bynum will ever become anything more than an average center -- a lesser version of Dikembe Mutumbo, if we're lucky. So why hang on to him when trading him might win us another ring?)
Posted by: S Cahn | January 22, 2006 at 02:57 PM
Saying Jerry West could talk the Pacers into a different deal than Kupchack can is ludicrous. The Pacers hold all the cards, and the stats don't lie. You can't make a player appear to be better than they are to another team, all they have to do is read the stat sheet and watch the film to see what a player can do. Drafting is a different story, and I think there's a much better argument that West drafts better than Mitch, but the Artest deal is all about the Pacers and what they want in return, no GM can change their mind.
At this point in the season I would be OK with letting Odom go. I really like the guy as a player, and would prefer to keep him, but I think Ron Ron would make us a better team even if it meant giving up Odom. We'd probably have to take back another big contract to make it work (Vescey's mention of Crosure makes sense money-wise if we include Devean). Crosure's big contract also expires in '07 which gives the Lakers even more cap flexibility next year than having Odom, who still has 4 years left of a pretty high-paying deal. Definitely do not give up Kwame or Bynum under any circumstances, we need big athletic bodies and if we're not getting one back then forget it.
I say let's do it. It means Kobe goes back to being the facilitator (which he's good at), but with Artest there to consistently add numbers Kobe won't need to go for 40 every night, and eventually Artest would learn the system and be able to facilitate a little bit. Smush has proven to be a decent ball-handler (at least as good as Fish was), so Kobe could still get time at the wing with the B squad or in small ball situations. Plus, Phil likes Crosure, so we'd probably get some quality production from him off the bench (Cookie/Walton would lose a few minutes). Lamar, you're a great player, and you'll probably be in the Eastern Conference Finals if you go to Indiana, but I think it's getting clearer that you and Kobe don't mesh, and your tendancy to drift in and out of consiousness is a quality I think the Lakers would be better off without.
Posted by: Kevin McK | January 22, 2006 at 02:57 PM
Kevin McK,
I respect your opinion on Jerry West not having any pull to get Artest to L.A. without trading Bynum or Odom. But what I'm trying to get at is that if West really wants a player to join the organization, he wouldn't be afraid to pull the trigger but at the same time, would make sure he wouldn't give in on his main guys. Mitch to me seems a bit more cautious when trade talks arise.
But lets talk about something in relation to trades. Do you think Shaq would of went to Miami for Grant, Odom, and Butler if West was still in charge. Or would West have traded Butler and Atkins for Kwame Brown? I would believe that West would of at least held off on the Caron Butler trade in hopes for something better to arise in the future...like a Ron Artest. Shaq would still be in an L.A. uniform today if West was still GM for L.A.
And oh yea...Chaka Khan, did you say something?
Posted by: Ron | January 22, 2006 at 04:00 PM
Am I the only one not interested or not willing to give any attention to the Kobe bashers anymore?
I mean, let's face it...If we don't read how long can they keep writing about it?
Posted by: chosen#23 | January 22, 2006 at 04:01 PM
who in the hell would trade Odom for Pierce are you a freakin idiot?
You know what Odom is capable of? omg he makes things so much easier for his teammates.
Posted by: Crazy 8 | January 22, 2006 at 04:22 PM
WHEN WILL THE LAKER FANS SEE BYNUM AND TURIAF IN ACTION!
LET'S PROTEST! WE WANT TURIAF!
WE WANT TURIAF!WE WANT TURIAF!WE WANT TURIAF!WE WANT TURIAF!WE WANT TURIAF!WE WANT TURIAF!WE WANT TURIAF!
WE WANT BYNUM!WE WANT BYNUM!WE WANT BYNUM!WE WANT BYNUM!WE WANT BYNUM!WE WANT BYNUM!WE WANT BYNUM!
WE DON'T WANT WALTON!WE DON'T WANT WALTON!WE DON'T WANT WALTON!
TRADE WALTON!TRADE WALTON!TRADE WALTON!TRADE WALTON!TRADE WALTON!TRADE WALTON!TRADE WALTON!TRADE WALTON!
Posted by: Crazy 8 | January 22, 2006 at 04:31 PM
LOL! NO ONE TYPES ANYTHING ON HERE ANYMORE NO COMMENTS NO ZIPPOS CUZ THE LAKERS PISSED US OFF TOO MUCH THAT WE ARE ABSOLUTELY SICK OF THEM LOSING RETARDED GAMES
THIS TEAM'S IQ NEEDS A CHECK ALL THE PLAYERS ARE RETARDED!
Posted by: Crazy 8 | January 22, 2006 at 04:35 PM
maybe Kobe Bryant might not be hated so much after all read this
KOBE MVP ARTICLE!
http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/sports/basketball/nba/dallas_mavericks/13686124.htm
Posted by: Crazy 8 | January 22, 2006 at 04:50 PM
If you have access to espn-insider, you might want to read Chris Broussard's most recent article about the friction between A.I. and Chris Webber.
It seems Chris Webber has finally "had it" with A.I.'s selfishness and domination of the basketball. He feels frustrated just like other good offensive players have felt frustrated playing alongside A.I.
Several experts weigh in and conclude that it's nigh impossible to win with A.I. chucking up so many shots.
Why do I direction your attention to this article? Because A.I. and Kobe are the two biggest ballhogs in the league and both of their respective teams are mired in mediocrity.
And just as the Sixers have struggled over the years to build around an all-world ballhog like A.I., so too might the Lakers struggle to build around a ballhog like Kobe.
It's food for thought, anyway.
Here's the article:
http://insider.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=2301927&name=broussard_chris
Posted by: John "Air" Chavez | January 22, 2006 at 04:57 PM
I was reading the week that was and week that will B
comments and Lamar show said trade Bynum for artest and sign big Ben in the offseason. Well thats a great idea except hes a lil confused. How about trading Odom, Mihm and george for Artest. Then signing big ben. Then in camp Ben could work with Bynum and Kwame on thierdefense and we would be a force to wreckon with. Could U imagine Smush Ko8e Artest Kwame and BIG BEN. our team d would be equivalent to Detroits right now. But then Ben and Artest would have to kiss and make up cuz theyre the only reasons artest missed last year(the Brawl). But I could really see that working and then when kwames on the bench Bynum at C and Ben Wallace at power foward. We would be in automatic title contention.
Lance P
Posted by: Lance.P | January 22, 2006 at 05:16 PM
Best case would be a deal like Artest for Devean George and Luke or Medvedenko, but that is probably not realistic. If it came to Odom for Artest, I do it. Odom has been here the better part of two seasons and it doesn't look like he will develop into a solid #2. Your #2 just can't have a lot of single-digit scoring games. Artest is going to eliminate one worry defensively every night and score consistently (Odom will do neither). Plus, I think Kobe will have more respect for Artest, who has given him trouble, than he has for Odom. I like Odom's all-around skills, but we need a defensive stopper and a consistent scorer even more. Best case, Odom is our #3 and he might be the best #3 in the NBA.
Posted by: Jman449 | January 22, 2006 at 05:20 PM
I watched Bynum intently during the summer league in Long Beach. My assessment of him was that he was out of shape, seemed timid, was not a natural rebounder, had bad hands, and virtually no mid-range game. I wonder how many people on this Blog have actually seen Bynum play extensive minutes. And remember, I saw him playing against summer league talent.
With no college experience under his belt and only a spattering of pro minutes, I cannot see how he can be an instant hit like everyone is hoping for. Turiaf is another story; he owned the summer league, in regards to the Laker team.
I'm sure I'm in the minority, and I hope I'm wrong, but I'm not sold on the talent level and effectiveness of Bynum. He has no natural talent and very little experience. The only thing he has going for him is that he's a 7footer; and to many people that seems to be enough to translate to him being a future NBA star.
Well, all I've got to say about that kind of thinking is one thing...Kwame Brown.
Trade Bynum and Walton for Artest.
Posted by: troy | January 22, 2006 at 05:26 PM
I dont understand why people even mention bring Paul Pierce to the Lakers. He's a poor man's Kobe Bryant, why do the Lakers need that when they already have the real thing. Pierce doesnt score, defend or if needed facilitate as well as Bryant and would only help the Lakers in the scoring department. Which they do need help in but a potential fued between to talented perimeter players could erupt as well, it's not worth it.
I'm not totslly against moving Odom for Artest, because of his scoring and rebounding abilities. Kobe could easily move back into his role as facilitator of the triangle. We know Kobe can play that role as well as anyone playing it nearly as well as Pippen in his heyday. I'd be worried about the hit we would take on the boards though.
AK and/or BK do you really think the Lakers are smart for pinning their futures to an 18 year old years away from being simply a steady contributer. I know as a GM Kupchak is always looking forward to the future and should never mortgage the future for the present. But isnt mortgaging the present for the future just as bad when you have a talent like Kobe Bryant who is in his prime. A team with Odom, Bryant and Artest could win a championship if you get some big men who can defend and rebound well. Dont you guys think Kupchak should at least open up to the idea of moving Bynum a bit more, I just dont think he should be considered "untouchable"
Posted by: Xodus | January 22, 2006 at 05:44 PM
I really think it would be a bad idea to trade Lamar. I think Kobe/Artest/Odom could be a crazy squad to have to deal with. Odom could still facilitate, Kobe could still score 30+, and Artest would be our strong #2 threat.
I really want to see this trade happen but I don't know if the Pacers would just want to take on players who could give them cap relief, and get draft picks. I'm not a Mitch hater, but he's got to get something done for somebody, or were not going to do anything in the playoffs. I wouldn't mind seeing Paul Pierce or Jalen Rose in Laker Jerseys. Both could be considered #2 options, but their only draw backs are defense. I think Artest brings everything we need to the table, scoring, defense, and he's not afraid to shoot the ball when it comes his way (dudes got mad heart).
Posted by: Asaad Weaver | January 22, 2006 at 06:16 PM
WOW WOULDN'T IT BE NICE TO SEE KOBE AND THE LAKERS PLAY DENVER FIRST ROUND! 3RD SEED VS. 6TH SEED.
KOBE'S COLORADO CASE!!!!!!!!! LOL THAT WOULD BE FUNNY AS HELL!
Posted by: Crazy 8 | January 22, 2006 at 06:19 PM
Question of the day
Who is the ugliest player in the NBA?
A)Sam Cassell
B)Jumaine Jones
C)Dikembe Mutombo
D)Other
Posted by: Crazy 8 | January 22, 2006 at 06:26 PM
Kobe can't even get any love from Chris Rock . . .
During the broadcast of the Toronto game, Fox Sport's Bill MacDonald asked Chris Rock if Kobe was the MVP of the league and Rock said, "He's the best player on a bad team." Rock then made the case for good players on good teams -- players like Dwyane Wade and Steve Nash.
For good measure, Rock said that both Kobe and Rock's hometown Knicks would have long off-seasons since neither would make the playoffs. Ouch.
Posted by: Captain Casper | January 22, 2006 at 07:33 PM
The Lakers should trade Lamar Odom. Also, I'm not impressed with Phil Jackson's coaching this year. Too many mistakes.
Posted by: troy | January 22, 2006 at 07:43 PM
It's time.Lamar will NEVER play to his potential a:,in this offense,b:,with Kobe.Move him before his stock drops any lower.The way he's playing,we wouldn't be able to move him for a bag of balls.Bring on Ron!! If this deal does/doesn't go through,it's time to blow the smokescreen off of the franchise & clean house at the top.Mitch is given more passes than a 5th grader with a weak bladder.Lil'Jimmy is not good for us either,but he's not going anywhere.If we don't get a break or two,we're heading down the road of laughingstock.
Posted by: Richard Orrok | January 22, 2006 at 08:07 PM
TRADE LAMAR.......NOW!!!!!!
Posted by: Richard Orrok | January 22, 2006 at 08:11 PM
KOBE FOR MVP!
53 pts at the end of 3rd!
Posted by: Ben | January 22, 2006 at 08:29 PM
OMG IS KOBE HUMAN?
JORDAN IS BACK JORDAN IS BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I REPEAT MICHAEL JORDAN IS BACK IN TOWN HE'S YOUNG AGAIN
AND HE'S WEARING NUMBER 8
OMG I LOVE YOU KOBE BRYANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH KOBE!!!!!!!!
MVP 1!!!!!!!! KOBE'S TEAM SUCKS BUT KOBE DOESN'T SUCK
KILL THOSE PURPLE DINOSAURS YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11
KOBE IS THE BEST KOBE IS MVP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Crazy 8 | January 22, 2006 at 08:41 PM
KOBE IS NOT HUMAN I'M TELLING YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I LOVE YOU KOBE YES!!!!!!!! HE'S THE BEST! KOBE YAHHHHHHHHHHHH SCREW THE LAKERS I LOVE KOBE'S GAME FINALLY!!!!!!!
EVERYONE OMGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG WHO'S WATCHING THE GAME I'M ABOUT TO DIE HERE KOBE SURPASS YOUR 62 POINTS PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GO FOR 80!!!!!!!!!!! GO FOR 100!!!!!!!!
OK I NEEDA CALM DOWN LOL!
Posted by: Crazy 8 | January 22, 2006 at 08:44 PM
KOBE FOR MVP!!!!!!!!! KOBE FOR MVP!!!!!!!!!!
KOBE FOR MVP!!!!! GO FOR 80 POINTS KOBE SCREW PASSING TO YOUR STUPID TEAMMATES THEY CAN'T DO NOTHING RIGHT JUST GO FOR 80 FOR ME FOR MY SAKE!!!!!!!!!! LOL!
Posted by: Crazy 8 | January 22, 2006 at 08:47 PM
I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS IS HAPPENING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THIS IS UNBELIEVABLE OMGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG EVERYONE IN HERE SHOULD BE GOING CRAZY RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!
KOBE FOR MVP!!!!!!! KILL THE PURPLE DINOSAURS PLEASE!
Posted by: Crazy 8 | January 22, 2006 at 08:50 PM
72 POINTS AAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!
COME ON KOBE JUST GET 80 + POINTS FOR ME!
KOBE'S MAKING A STATEMENT HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!
NO ONE CAN STOP KOBE NO ONE KOBE FOR MVP DEFINITELY!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Crazy 8 | January 22, 2006 at 08:56 PM
I THINK I'M GOING TO HAVE A HEART ATTACK KOBE BRYANT 74 POINTS!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'VE NEVER SEEN ANYONE DONE THIS BEFORE!!!!!!!!1
MICHAEL JORDAN HIGHEST EVER WAS 69 POINTS!!!!!!!!!1
I SAY BYE MICHAEL JORDAN I LOVE YOU BUT NOW
THE FUTURE IS HERE
KOBE BRYANT FOR MVP!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Crazy 8 | January 22, 2006 at 08:58 PM
OMG KOBE'S GOING FOR 80 + POINTS OMGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG DO IT KOBE DO IT DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Posted by: Crazy 8 | January 22, 2006 at 09:03 PM
KOBE BRYANT 80 POINTS WHAT IN THE WORLD dDAMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM
80 POINTS GUYS!!!!!!!!!!!! 80 POINTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WHAT NOW KOBE HATERS? WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO SAY?!
I SAY BASKETBALL'S GOD!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Crazy 8 | January 22, 2006 at 09:06 PM
If it wasnt proven before it is now, Kobe Bryant is a basketball God 81 points tonight, the second highest scoring total for a single player in NBA history. I wish I could have seen this game, I've been watching the updates on Yahoosports.com. His stat line is mind boggling.
Posted by: Xodus | January 22, 2006 at 09:06 PM
81.
Posted by: bruce sanchez | January 22, 2006 at 09:07 PM
SECOND. GREATEST. SINGLE. GAME. EVER.
Kudos to PJ for letting Ocho play. I don't see how anyone can say Kobe isn't an MVP candidate after tonight. I actually gave up on this game when the Lakers were down 17 some points. Kobe single-handedly willed his team to victory. Does anyone out there seriously believe we will see anything like this again, at least with the current generation of players?
Posted by: Hunter805 | January 22, 2006 at 09:07 PM
CAN YOU DIG IT!!!
Posted by: Vman | January 22, 2006 at 09:07 PM
I like the fact that 81 came with a win and we needed somewhere near that number to get the W. Hi five, 8. Props to Phil for letting it flow. Good team D in the second half. 4 days rest, work Ronny T into the mix and let's get back to team ball.
Posted by: Vman | January 22, 2006 at 09:19 PM
Keep D George - trade Odom - last year they said he'd be an all star this year. Now this year they say he'll be an all star next year. I think we've seen enough to know that he is and probably always will be inconsistent.
Why does everyone say to trade Devean?? He is the defensive spark the Lakers need - keep him, trade Odom, trade Walton, keep Bynum and KEEP DEVEAN!
81 points? that was historic.
Posted by: newJtimes | January 22, 2006 at 09:20 PM
81 points ... no... I SAID 81 POINTS
8 FREAKIN 1!!!
not 40, not 50, not 60, not even 70....
81!!!!!
THIS IS NO LONGER BLASPHEMY: KOBE BRYANT IS THE GREATEST PLAYER SINCE JORDAN.
THIS IS NO LONGER BLASPHEMY: KOBE BRYANT IS JUST AS GOOD AS MICHAEL JORDAN.
Posted by: Korey | January 22, 2006 at 09:22 PM
points wow, how can you deny him the mvp award, after bringing this laker team back from so many deficits. the team was down 16 tonight. This is just one of many great games he has had and will have.
KOBE for MVP
Oh and crazy 8 why do you give up so easy on the lakers are you really a fan or what, for the third straight game you have suggested that we throw in the towel if we lose. We may not be the deepest team in the league but we play hard and we scrap every game and take what we can get.
Posted by: ose | January 22, 2006 at 09:43 PM
HOW DOES ONE MAN SCORE 81 POINTS IN A GAME!!!!!!!!! I DON'T KNOW HOW MANY OF Y'ALL HAVE EVER PLAYED ORGANIZED BALL, BUT IF YOU HAVE YOU KNOW HOW IMPOSSIBLE THAT IS. WHAT KOBE DID TONITE IS INCREDIBLE. TO EVEN IMAGINE SCORING 81 POINTS IN A GAME IS HARD LET ALONE DO IT!!!!! I'M LOST FOR WORDS SITTING HERE TRYING TO TYPE ABOUT THIS!!!!!!!! IF KOBE ISN'T THE BEST TO EVER TOUCH A BASKETBALL, I DON'T KNOW WHO IS. I LOVE MICHAEL JORDAN BUT MY MAN NEVER EVEN SNIFFED 80 POINTS. I'M IN AWE OF THE GREATNESS OF KOBE BEAN BRYANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Asaad Weaver | January 22, 2006 at 09:46 PM
trade Luke Walton please !!! Luke plus Slava and the first round pick we got from Miami, for Artest. Can you belive Kobe got 81!
Posted by: Laker Junkie | January 22, 2006 at 09:58 PM
Good post, Kevin McK. I just wanted to throw out that I think Odom plays too soft and won't hurt us to deal him. Odom doesn't go hard to the basket for buckets or boards. He's one of those guys content to drift around the perimeter and just doesn't make an impact. A guy like Artest can really move some bodies around in the paint which leads to Offensive rebounds, put back points, post presnece, and also creates lanes for guys like Kobe to slash through. Grabbing Artest is a good move and giving up Odom is not too high a price by any means.
Posted by: Anthony X | January 22, 2006 at 10:02 PM
WELL, BEING UP HERE IN WASHINGTON I DIDNT THINK ANYTHING COULD OVERCOME THE SEAHAWK'S HUGE CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP VICTORY! GUESS WHAT? KOBE DID...............THANKS FOR ALL THE EXCITEMENT YOU'VE GIVEN US AND KEEP GIVING US EVERY YEAR! HATERS SILENCED AND GOOD! SILENCE THE HATE, SILENCE THE HATE! NEVER FORGET THE NIGHT BRYANT WENT FOR 81. LAST STOP, THE TITLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ALL MY FELLOW LAKER FAITHFUL.............ENJOY THIS MAGIC NIGHT WE ALSO DESERVE THIS.......
Posted by: SpokaneLaker | January 22, 2006 at 10:07 PM
FOR EVERY TO BOTH LAKER FANS AND LAKERS HATERS:
KOBE BRYANT: MVP
Posted by: arthas (Tom Brady) | January 22, 2006 at 10:11 PM
There is NO DOUBT that Kobe Bryant should at the very least be named this season's MVP. What an exciting game... 81 POINTS!
Posted by: Romy R. | January 22, 2006 at 10:34 PM
Responding to that bashing article, wanting to have a life of his own off-court and no personal relationship with Shaq make him the 5th hated athelete. Give me a break, many of us go on with our lifes without our collegues after 9-5, and I happen to find Shaq is a bully. Why take his bullying nonsense?
Posted by: elle | January 22, 2006 at 10:37 PM
Following Sundays game, and Kobe's INDIVIDUAL performance, One Word;
W O W!!!!
Kobe Bryant OR his people definately must read this blog. Since the postings of the possibility of Kobe being traded for LeBron James and the two-game suspension following 'elbow-gate', Kobe Bryant has been on fire! Kobe has been on a scoring binge, with a 'whole lot of luck', that has not been seen in a long time. Kobe is shooting a better percentage even with some of the WILD three-point SHOTS he takes.
However, to be honest, I still don't see any top-rated future free agents that would WANT to come to the Laker organization due to management of Mitch Kupchak and the often selfish play of Kobe Bryant.
OUT!!!
The truth
Posted by: Steven | January 22, 2006 at 11:03 PM
81 pts??? EVERYBODY SHOUT WITH ME 81PTS!!!
What a historical night! And everybody is comparing Kobe and Lebron..HAHAHA
You gotta be kidding. C'mon, last night..KOBE WAS GOD! and he showed it to everbody!
Now what can the critics say about that?? FG: 28/46 more than 50%...well this time he has 6 reb., 3 stls, 2 assist, 1 Blk and has only 1 foul!
WHAT CAN YOU SAY HATERS???
MO LOVE TO LA
ITS SHOWTIME!!
Posted by: Digtaz | January 22, 2006 at 11:09 PM
I LOVE KOBE
I LOVE LAKERS
I LOVE L.A.
I LOVE THIS GAME
I LOVE THIS CONTRY
81... ...
Impossible IS Nothing, Just Do It
Posted by: cc | January 22, 2006 at 11:16 PM
there's nothing to say but...
UN-REAL
Posted by: CBuck | January 22, 2006 at 11:20 PM
oh i definitely know i wasn't the only one hyperventilating, screaming, and jumping up and down as the fourth quarter ended and #8 got 81 points.
Kobe Bryant is the man, hands down.
Posted by: Michelle | January 22, 2006 at 11:27 PM
wth... I was at the damn game. it was crazy as hell. super-loud, like during the finals with the dream team. Chris Rock, after telling tv viewers that he thought the lakers wouldn't make the playoffs, was TAKING PICTURES OF KOBE WITH HIS DAMN CAMERA PHONE minutes later!!!! jesus h christ, kobe, take it easy!!!! wth!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: bonzoa | January 22, 2006 at 11:39 PM
That's the reason why he needs to shoot more than anybody else in the NBA. His team overall is inconsistent and that's the bottom line. Peace.
Posted by: johnny | January 22, 2006 at 11:40 PM
No way is "Crazy 8" over 13 years old. Sorry buddy, I love your enthusiasm, but you really bring a level of grade-school-ness to this blog. Can you calm it down a little bit and maybe contribute with more than emotional responses and dramatic posts? Look at the way other people write, try to shoot for that.
Troy: I saw Bynum in the summer league too - your assessment is pretty close (I think he's a natural rebounder), but if you look at the amount of progress he's made since then you can see that he's going to be a solid contributor in this league. His work ethic is top notch, and since the summer league, he no longer brings the ball up from his knees, has much better footwork, and is very aggressive both on defense and on the boards (and on shaq). I'm not on the 'get him minutes now' train, I think Phil is playing him just enough - as he said recently if Bynum starts to get major minutes, other teams start scouting him and would be able to take him out of his small comfort zone quickly which could hurt his confidence. He's a 2-3 year project at least, he shoudn't be getting major minutes until he gets a lot more experience, but I think he's shown he wants to play hard and that he can hang in limited minutes with the big boys, I think it's a great pick and we should hold on to him at all costs.
Kobe, well he's the greatest. I think we should trade him now while his value is at it's utmost peak.... ha ha ha, just kidding, just kidding. Kobe rules, if we get to the playoffs he's going to scare the carp out of any other team, no matter what seed they are.
Posted by: Kevin McK | January 22, 2006 at 11:42 PM
So UNREAL, INCREDIBLE, MIND-BOGGLING, EXQUISITE, ONE-OF-A-KIND, PERFECT, AMAZING!
Kobe, 81 points? What the?!?!?!?
We were losing in the first half! Then all of a sudden...BANG, BANG, BANG! 91-85 after 3! All these made possible by no other than Kobe Bryant. Kobe is the GREATEST PLAYER EVER TO PLAY THE GAME! Magic is second to Kobe, Michael is only third. HANDS DOWN!
*MABUHAY KA MANNY PACQUIAO!
*KOBE FOR MVP!
*GO LAKERS!
Posted by: shaq_hater | January 22, 2006 at 11:47 PM
81! everybody better be talking about this today...i don't want to see another shameful espn article...bow to the REAL basketball god!
it's really funny how many people are going to say...see that's why he should shoot all the time...
KOBE ROCKS! keep it up kobe!
Posted by: Faith | January 23, 2006 at 12:00 AM
AK, whats the league rules on changing a team's name (like the Bullets did to the Wizards)? How about the L.A. Mambas....frig it, lets just change it to the L.A. Kobes, cuz lets face it, he is the entire team.
Posted by: fullctpress | January 23, 2006 at 12:10 AM
To all Kobe-haters!!!
Just watch Kobe play!!! He had the best move i have ever seen in basketball!!
81 Is awesome!!!!
Go Kobe
Posted by: jim8 | January 23, 2006 at 12:26 AM
ohohohohohoho
Look guys I am dissapointed with lakers fans, you cant compare Jordan to KOBE any more and stop mentioning his name, from now on should be KOBE era..i just loved that game,, he is incredible player..i would like to hear those hater to talk about kobe..waiting..love you KOBE..
Go lakers
Posted by: Alban | January 23, 2006 at 12:26 AM
hey hey, now, Kevin McK. no need to hate on laker fans (young or old) expressing their joy at the team's success, especially on a night like tonight. face facts: you and "crazy8" and everyone else on here is doing the same thing -- posting a layman's opinion that, really, very few other people actually seriously care about. but you get your kicks from it. the only real difference, crazy8 hasn't deluded himself into thinking this forum serves some higher purpose than that. so chill.
p.s. i have no doubt kobe already does "scare the carp out of" every team in the L -- maybe he'll even bless with us with another 70-80-plus this season... you know, just for the halibut. =P
Posted by: showsomelove | January 23, 2006 at 12:36 AM
lol my bad guys I was a little depressed about the lakers lately but this one from kobe really fired me up. I still can't believe it, 81 POINTS. Words can't describe it. It's amazing. I've never witnessed something like this in my life. I doubt anyone can get pass 81. By tomorrow, all around the world, this fact better sink into people, that Kobe is this year's MVP.
Posted by: Crazy 8 | January 23, 2006 at 12:36 AM
"He's special"
"He's special
His talent is by far greater than any other player in the league.
He's in a class of his own
He just makes the statement "Impossible is nothing"
believable
Words can't describe him, his ability is incredible
His comparison to MJ is long gone now
He has become something much more
After tonight, MJ has been forgotten
He is what he has become
He's special"
-Kevin Nguyen
"The Kobe Bryant Type Numbers"
His expectations are far greater than any player.
20-30 Points: "Teamplay" Numbers
30-40 Points: "Normal" Numbers
40-45 Points: "Human" Numbers
45-50 Points: "Inhuman" Numbers
50 + Points: "Monster" Numbers
Absolutely Incredible.
Posted by: Crazy 8 | January 23, 2006 at 01:26 AM
Back on the trade thread... the triangle is not going to run by dumping Odom for Artest. You lose the guy you've put energy into teaching the initiator spot, and ask someone who knows jack about the offense to come in and quick study it. While that is happening Kobe becomes the initiator and who does he throw it to? Often, the number two scoring option, who hasn't learned the offense and says "damn, what do I do with the rock now? Oh, shoot I don't know... how about shoot?" You can see how productive that is going to be from a team standpoint.
Besides, there goes 5 (precious) weeks of educating a new guy.
While we are being rational, look at the consequences involved in dumping Odom -- the money invested in bringing Pippen in for special coaching. A wasted investment not recoupable. That argument is even more forceful when you think of Kareem being brought in to work with Bynum. Sure, Mim and Kwame are still on board, but the economies of scale and the basic logic of having brought Kareem in are negated (if Bynum is cut loose).
I like the comments Kevin McK wrote concerning AB's progress. We tend to be looking for major, gross-level changes, but the coaching staff is trying to correct a large number of aspects of his game -- little things like ball placement and the mental aspect of constant up and down the court. That is going to take time (by design). Give it time, fans.
How about we loyal folk ride with it as if it was actually a plan. Have some faith in where it is going. Yes, a core of Kobe/Odom/Artest would likely go deep into the playoffs. But there are too many intangibles and unknowns that a sound manager would not like in that equation. Phil seems not to be troubled by the nuttiness of Ron-Ron, but we really don't know how he would affect team chemistry at mid-year. Besides, Artest, himself, has said he likely wouldn't stay beyond the year. Not a very shrewd business move for the Lakers if Ron-Ron proves good to his word. Finally, you are never going to be able to give up the right (unnecessary) parts to keep the team moving forward if you are able to land Artest.
Over all, then, as nice as it is to dream... we are stuck with our reality.
Kobe and his 81... until other guys learn to step forward and be consistent. Not a horrible prospect. And one that we can grow on.
Posted by: t_sensei | January 23, 2006 at 01:55 AM
Where are all the haters at!?!??!?!
KOBE=MVP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Francis | January 23, 2006 at 04:59 AM
Hi,
Am I the only one not surprised by what Kobe did on Sunday 1/22/2006? That's not to say I expected it on this particular day--although I did think he might have a big game, but not this big! However, I also wouldn't have been surprised if he scored 100 pts. which he might very well do in the future. Way to go Kobe!
As to the other Lakers, don't forget the fact that they aren't stars--and aren't insistent about becoming stars--allows Kobe to really show his stuff. When you win with all-stars on your team it's much less satisfying than when you win with less talent, don't you agree? I want to give props to Chris Mihm as well. He allows Andrew Bynum to take his time to develop rather than rushing him on the floor for consistent minutes before he's ready--and he's obviously not ready yet at the age of 18. To Andrew Bynum doubters, you discount the improvement all players have between 18 and 21. Kevin Garnett was an exception and Andrew has not been played as long as Kevin Garnet. Also, posters who like to see themselves as a GM need to realize that you can't think just about this year but about 5 years from now and 10 years from now. With some other franchises, it may make sense to sacrifice the future for a championship now because they haven't had them (like Miami, for instance). But the Lakers aren't expected to just win one one year and take the next ten off, their expectations for themselves (and from others) is to be a championship contender most every year.
Kwame Brown needs a year to learn the triangle before he should be expected to star. This year they are just looking to Kwame to be a defensive presence, grab boards and score opportunity points so he has met my (and I think the team's) expectations. Look for Kwame to really look more comfortable in the next couple of seasons. Chris does almost everything--he rebounds, he scores in the post, blocks shots, and doesn't demand the ball the way Shaq did. Not that I blamed Shaq (if I was Shaq--or Kobe--or any guy who could dominate my opponent I would want the ball, too!) I am not against trading for Ron Artest but I would not include Lamar Odom or Andrew Bynum in the trade. However, as others have pointed out unless Indiana gets desperate, they wouldn't trade him to the Lakers without getting at least one of those players in return.
As to Lamar, as some other posters have mentioned, he facilitates the Lakers offense. He would be a much better scorer in a different offense (for instance if he was allowed to post his man up down low--where he'd either score a lot of points or set up others for open shots by getting double teamed because of his size advantage and ability to score down low with a variety of moves. However that isn't a part of this offense so he's not going to get the points he could get. I don't mind! Don't forget, for every point a Laker other than Kobe gets, that's one less point for Kobe!
To sum up, I love the Lakers win or lose but I do think they have a fine team and will make a run come playoff time, if they can at least finish in the 6th seed. I also think think they have a chance if they finish lower, but it will be a lot tougher having to go up against either Phoenix or San Antonio but it's still possible--provided Kobe is healthy! Let's all root for the team and be patient with them--Phil and Mitch knows what he's doing more than we do. I do know it's fun to provide our own input, just like I'm doing now, but it's also important not to take ourselves too seriously!
Posted by: Jason | January 23, 2006 at 04:59 AM
If the national sports media don't drop to their knees after this one then they never will! Here is a little love for KB (yeah for Yahoo sports!):
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AoB2areTptM8TqM0buObnam8vLYF?slug=dw-kobe012206&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
GO LAKES!!!
Posted by: SantaMonica4Ever | January 23, 2006 at 06:51 AM
I love Georgie and Bynum. George is on the bend and doing perfectly on his position. He has experience in triangle offense. Bynum is the only guy can replace Shaq. I hope he will be taller in a few year. To me, Medvedenko, Luke, and Von are subjects to be traded. If we can get Ron A. is still better than Paul P. The healthy roster must have Bynum and Odom. I have seen Odom was up and down, but he has a good attitude to stay behind Kobe, and it's may be the key for Kobe to be successful. If you bring in a guy to replace Odom, but he wants the ball like K8 (but no killer instinct) the Lakers will be struggled with the ball.
Posted by: laxfactor | January 23, 2006 at 07:20 AM
Someone stepped up for Kobe's 81points rather than criticizing it, thank you Dan Wetzel
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AvHTAt02kGCBKdIznYjR7Hy8vLYF?slug=dw-kobe012206&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
Posted by: KB8TH WONDER | January 23, 2006 at 07:37 AM
Wow.
Man, it was awesome listening to James Worthy after the game say (paraphrase), "I've seen them all. I've seen Magic. I've seen Bird. I've seen Kareem. I've seen David Thompson. I've seen Alex English. I've seen Michael Jordan... and I've never seen anything like what I saw tonight. He didn't even break a sweat."
Kobe-Haterism is Dead.
Posted by: Jon Kavulic | January 23, 2006 at 07:55 AM
A historic performance last night by Kobe. However, it's actually a little depressing. No guy should score 81 points in a game! I would rather see more of a team effort.
Posted by: Zen | January 23, 2006 at 07:59 AM
It's also sad folks that Kobe appears to be in his prime and the rest of the team cannot produce. I hope Kobe will still have something left 2 years from now.
Posted by: Zen | January 23, 2006 at 08:01 AM
Two things said last night ring true. ESPN INSIDE HOOPS said let the man shoot and just enjoy it, they don't have the team this year. Phil said, it was incredible, Kobe did everything on the court... that's not the way you want to win. Yes, we do have a possible AI situation but we have Phil and we have a franchise player that's won it all 3 times and wants more. go ---TEAM.
Posted by: Vman | January 23, 2006 at 08:07 AM
I cant believe that people still find the room to critisize Kobe right now. He was having a very average (by Kobe standards) game in the first half. I will remind evryone that the Raptors were kicking our butts up and down the floor. He did what he had to do for us to win. In the process he showed all who had an eye open that he is the most dominant player (sorry big fella)in the NBA today. He is the most dominant player that I have ever seen play the game. Kobe is one of the all time greats. What he can do with a basketball is beyond description. I am very lucky to have seen this. Screw the haters!!!!
Posted by: todd | January 23, 2006 at 08:26 AM
Zen,
What do you mean, no one SHOULD score 81 poits in a game?
I watched it on TV last night. I heard the crowd, I saw the shots, I jumped up and down and screamed and cheered, and then I sat up until 2:00AM scouring the internet for interviews, photage, videos, stats, articles, anything I could find that would make the moment last longer.
Next you'll tell us Kobe shoots too much and needs to pass the ball more often...
Just this once, lay off the criticism, sit back and watch the impossible shots, the open three-pointers, the wide open dunk, and the absolutely amazing mentality behind this scoring spree, and admit that the man is great. Maybe no one should be able to score that much, but he did.
You can go back to harping on him after his next game. Right now, join the crowd of admirers and chant with the rest of us, "KOBE! KOBE! KOBE!"
Posted by: The Uncitizen | January 23, 2006 at 08:37 AM
Kobe!!!!
You are hands down the best player in the NBA and no one can ever question this again. You are the most complete player in the NBA because you can handle the ball, shoot and score from anywhere on the floor, drive the ball to the basket, score and get to the free throw line, play defense when you want to, get your own shot no matter how defenders try to cover you, and get shots for your teamates when you want to. There is no one that comes close to comparing thier game to yours but, you are not and will never be the MVP until you do the easiest of things. Kobe, you don't need anymore 40, 51, 62, or 80 point games. All you need to do is simply score 8 points per quarter, dishout 3 assist per quarter no matter how many shots your teamamtes may need to get it, and get 3 rebounds per quarter. The numbers would add up to 32 points 12 assist and 12 rebounds per game which would easily make you surpass jordan as the greatest to play the game. If you play with these goals in mind, your teamates would be more comfortable with you, know where to be on the floor, know when to shoot, and know when to get the ball to you. This type of play would equal a lot of Laker victories and you leading the Lakers to winning the championship.
Posted by: 70s Lakerfan | January 23, 2006 at 08:44 AM
Amazing, 81 points, 81.
What was probably the most interesting reaction to all this was the interview Smush had right after the game. Though he thought Kobe's game was great, he tempered it by mentioning the most amazing thing was the team defense the entire team played. Either there was something petty between Kobe and him or he thought they really did play team defense. I think it was the latter.
I think, if Parker is really this way, there might be some team leadership qualities within him. Those words could have come out of Harpers or Shaw's mouth just as easily...Kobe may have scored 81, but to win, they had to have gotten stops to overcome that 18 point deficit coming into the third (Gawd, I still can't believe they were actually down by 18). Hopefully the spotlight can be shared...
Posted by: epventura | January 23, 2006 at 08:48 AM
What the hell is Barkley going to say? Probably something like, "Yeah, that was quite a game, but Kobe should have passed the ball more. Only two assists? P-LEASE!"
Posted by: Jon Kavulic | January 23, 2006 at 08:54 AM
Kobe is the greatest scorer ever. He can do this again. Maybe 90 next time. The level of focus he has is something we've never seen before.
You know Phil doesn't like his team's style of play these days. Phil is in unchartered territory himself. As a coach, how do you react to this? Kobe can win games by himself in a way Jordan never did. Jordan was a scorer, but not like Kobe. Kobe can pop 5-6 3's in anyone's face at any given moment. Jordan could not do that.
But this team has no balance. The Bulls were balanced for the most part. I think everyone who has a little basketball IQ knows that this style of play isn't going to work for championships. But then again, it is Kobe. Maybe he'll defy all basketball logic like he did last night.
Posted by: Rocky | January 23, 2006 at 09:13 AM
jason, I agree with you. this offense is definitly not a way to fully benefit from odom's ability to score. they never post him up down low or any isolation plays for him. But like you said, the most important thing is that he is comfortable passing the ball to kobe or anyone else. if you bring in a guy who loves to score... there most likely will be some conflict if he refuses to defer to kobe.
like i said, kobe's at his prime right now and if we dont take advantage of this time and try to win a championship, it might be too late in 3 4 years. i say we sign Big Ben next year and trade bynum for Artest. Definitly can win a championship with that team.
Kobe 4 MVP!
Posted by: the Lamar Show | January 23, 2006 at 09:28 AM
Uncitizen,
I didn't criticize Kobe. I just feel that no one should be scoring 81 points by themselves. His teammates need to produce more.
Posted by: Zen | January 23, 2006 at 09:34 AM
"Uncitizen,
I didn't criticize Kobe. I just feel that no one should be scoring 81 points by themselves. His teammates need to produce more."
Ah. Good point, that one. My apologies for misunderstanding you then.
And yes, they do need to step up and score a lot more. Last night, thought brilliant and certainly very entertaining to watch, is likely to be an exception and not a regular occurance for the Lakers (and for Mr Bryant as well), and for those games when we can't get 60+ points out of our leding scorer, we still need to find some way to win. Personally I am hoping that Lamar, Smush, and Kwame, get things together mentally and figure out how to work well together defensively first though. We can probably ride into the playoffs on Kobe's scoring streak, but we need to be able to rely on the rest of the team for scoring and defensive stops if we are going to survive from then on.
Posted by: The Uncitizen | January 23, 2006 at 09:53 AM
Dear Kobe,
I'm sorry for demanding that the offense flow through me.
I'm sorry for treating you like a step son.
I'm sorry for belittling you and convincing PJ that you were the problem with the team.
I'm sorry for eveything...
Please demand a trade for me. I want to come back. It's your team. It's your city. Please Please let me come back.
Posted by: SHAQ | January 23, 2006 at 09:55 AM
Inspite of us being Lakers/Kobe fan, lets not get too ahead of the times. Kobe is a great clutch performer like MJ. He definitely is a better shooter, may not be as good as MJ as far as getting to the basket etc or maybe he doesn't want to since his jump shot is doing just fine. But, we shouldn't compare the defense in 80-90s to the defense at this time. Positive -- Perimeter players have a easy day these days - see how many 30-40-50 point games we see these days. Negative --- People can double team players like Phoenix did on Friday. But still, shooting 62% is not easy. So all the Kobe haters can shut up, including Chuck.
Kobe just needs to win a few championships to be hailed the greatest ever. So, Mitch instead of wasting u'r time and our time, go get him the needed help. You get him help, we are going to the NBA finals next year. How great would that be :-)
Posted by: kslf | January 23, 2006 at 02:27 PM
Lamar needs to step up so Kobe can be hailed as the Greatest Player of All-Time. If Lamar was playing to his capability, it would allow Kobe to move up to an even higher level.
Wow. Jordan didn't hit full steam until he was 29. Guys, we've got at least 5 full years of Kobe greatness to look forward to. This should be interesting.
Posted by: Jon Kavulic | January 23, 2006 at 02:39 PM
I have to disagree with the argument that says defense in the 80's and 90's was better than today. I think players today are just more gifted than players in the past, building on the past players' greatness.
In Kobe's case, I think if you put him in a time machine back to the 80's or 90's, he would dominate like he does today. Especially with all the illegal d's he'd be drawing. I could just imagine Craig Ehlo, or Dan Majerle trying to contain Kobe. Pippen? Nope. The only thing that would come close to him would be Jordan. What a match-up that would be!
Kobe is on a level nobody has ever seen before. And we've got at least 5 years of this left? I'm a happy Lakerfan.
Posted by: Rocky | January 23, 2006 at 04:29 PM
!One of the greatest players ever to touch a basketball!
Posted by: Brenton Lindsey | November 26, 2006 at 04:57 PM
Kobe Bryant,
what else can we say about the guy...he is the best player in the game today..TODAY!!! He can be compared to Air Jordan, but the truth is that he'll fall short, and trust me it hurts to say that as I'm a huge Kobe fan.
But talking about the now, he is the most competitive player in the game which is why he can score 81 points and will his team to victory or score 62 in 3 quaters. If KG ever came to the lakers it would pair up two of today's most competitive players and create a dynamic tag team, the likes of kobe-shaq.
KG and Kobe>>>outside scoring, defending, inside scoring and defense, a player that can play all five positions, a player that is the greatest all-around player in the game today---frig, even in NBA live they are usually rated #1 -3. Imagine the goodness that would happen. The only thing that sucks is that it wouild also mean that they (the lakers) would probably have to give up a player lke Odom and/or Bynum....I can live with that!!
Posted by: Mark Renford | May 19, 2007 at 09:27 AM