Extra! Extra! (1.23)
When Brian Cook and Kobe Bryant combine for 83 points, there's not much the opposition can do.
Down 14 at the half, Kobe took a potentially season crushing loss at home to the Raptors and turned it into a 122-104 win... and history. 81 points, the second highest total in NBA history behind only Wilt Chamberlain's 100 in '62. 55 in the second half, before leaving to a standing ovation and a hug for Phil Jackson with 4.2 seconds left, capping a performance that even he couldn't have dreamed up. And unlike 62 (you remember 62, right?), this time Kobe wasn't coming out of the game. Sam Mitchell tried every defense he could think of, but none of them helped as Kobe took a game the Raptors had in hand and made it his. The explosion took (some) of the sting away from the ending of his consecutive free throw streak at 62. To cap off the evening? How about a call from Magic?
There may be critics of 81 (don't know who yet), but they're misguided, says Dan Wetzel of Yahoo! Sports. Kobe is rewriting the rules of what's possible, even if it means overshadowing NFL championship Sunday- no easy feat. Exact comparisons to Chamberlain are tough to make, but it's very possible Kobe's feat was more impressive.
Either way, save the box score. It's a keeper.
In other news (seriously), Phil Jackson would like to see more production from the post, and it's looking like Aaron McKie (remember him?) won't be back until sometime in February.
(Photo by Chris Pizzello/Reuters)
A historic performance...
Kobe's average is now 35.9 PPG. No player has averaged 35 PPG since Jordan, and his highest was 37.1 PPG.
I think 81 points pretty much wraps up the MVP now, assuming the Lakers make the playoffs.
Posted by: Jova | January 23, 2006 at 08:58 AM
All I can say is Dam Kobe!! I know everybody is trying to come up with their own ideas of who the Lakers should trade for,but has the team said they where intrested in anybody. And what they are willing to offer as a package? Once again I'm sad that I didn't see the game. (I KNEW I SHOULD HAVE BOUGHT THE NBA GAME PACKAGE!!!)
Posted by: Laker Junkie | January 23, 2006 at 09:05 AM
For us out of state Laker fans, does anyone have a link to a tivo of this game? Or just the 4th quarter? Any assistance will be appreciated!
Posted by: Lone Star Laker Fan | January 23, 2006 at 09:08 AM
Yea, because I live in Arizona, I couldn't watch the game either. It's unfortunate that I missed history in the making with Kobe's 81 point performance. I hope the NBA puts this game on DVD. It would be a great seller!
Posted by: Ron | January 23, 2006 at 09:11 AM
I'm still buzzing from lastnight's game. 81! Thanks Mr. Bryant (Kobe, Sir). Thanks for the win, thanks for giving the haters something to talk about with their morning coffee. The most dominate force in the NBA is not in Miami.(and we've known that for a couple years) L.A. how do we spell relief? K-O-B-E! THE NBA's M.V.P! (I think even the players wanna cast a vote for him)
Posted by: LAKER | January 23, 2006 at 09:15 AM
TRADE KOBE FOR RON ARTEST!
Seriously though... wow. So, where do we go from here now that Kobe-Haterism is officially dead. I mean, I thought it would take one, maybe two championships to kill Kobe-Haterism, but I'm pretty sure its dead.
Posted by: Jon Kavulic | January 23, 2006 at 09:17 AM
KOBE IS THE BEST PLAYER IN THE LEAGUE HANDS DOWN.COULD ANY BODY ELSE GET MAD AND GET 81! NOW IF EVERYONE ELSE COULD JUST START PLAYING TO THE LEVEL THEY ARE CAPABLE OF. THE PLAYOFFS ARE EASY, AND WHO IS GOING TO STOP KOBE IN THE PLAYOFFS.PHX,,SA,AND DET! THATS IT! AND PHX WILL JUST OUTSCORE THEM. WAY TO GO KOBE! YOU ARE THE G.O.A.T.!
Posted by: KOOLBREEZE | January 23, 2006 at 09:18 AM
Message from Kobe to critics:
Take that!
Kobe has gone and set himself a new a standard. Er, I mean set the NBA a new standard.
I think this game changes a few things.
It's gonna be a lot harder to criticize Kobe This particular game was uncriticizeable, even for some of Kobe's biggest haters. A comeback win with high scoring by Kobe in the natural flow of the game, low shooting percentages by teammmates, high shooting percentages by himself, and a W at the end? And what does Kobe stress at the end, the W. Priceless.
Kobe can say hello to more endorsements and has singlehandedly increased both The Lakers and his own worth by a ton.
Kobe has changed to more than a man, even though he's the same Kobe.
Last, but not least, WHO'S MAKING THE PLAYOFFS NOW?
I'm very disappointed in Kobe for one thing, he broke his streak of free throws.
Hahaha
Posted by: Benjamin | January 23, 2006 at 09:19 AM
I remember when Kobe once confidently asserted that the Lakers would win 10 championships with him on their roster and that he would become the greatest player in the history of the game.
I now think this young man could do it all, including the championships.
Last night's performance will almost certainly win him the MVP award. I'd be surprised if he didn't get it after the season he's having.
Posted by: Biff Tannen | January 23, 2006 at 09:20 AM
darn..i wish i would have tivo-ed it too! but i was recording "malibus most wanted" last night on comedy central! haha! that's hilarious dude!
I NEVER WOULD HAVE IMAGINED A PLAYER SCORING THAT LITTLE! 81 POINTS! WHOOAH! WOW! SO INTENSE!
As Nike says..."Just Do It"...well KOBE DID!
As Adidas says..."Impossible is Nothing"...well Kobe did the impossible!
The downside of this game is that Kobe should have passed the ball more. Period. But that ends it! I wouldnt like to criticize or comment such an historic event.
May the good Lord shower Kobe and the Lakers with more blessings throughout the 2nd half of the season and for the rest of their lives.
*KOBE FOR MVP!
*GO LAKERS!
Posted by: shaq_hater | January 23, 2006 at 09:27 AM
Historic performance! Unfortunately I don't think any man should score 81 points in the game! That is just rediculous. His teammates need to get better.
Posted by: Zen | January 23, 2006 at 09:27 AM
Greatness!
When we see it we seldom can fully grasp its magnitude. I have been saying it for a while now, Kobe is not going after MJ, Kobe is going after History. Do you really think that it's a coincidence that Phil came back for 3 years (Kobe's prime)?
Do you really think Jerry Buss was wrong picking Kobe over shaq?
Did you really think he (Kobe) couldn't WOW you even more?
FACE IT, Kobe has not been destrOyed by Colorado, Kobe has not been destroyed by the break-up of the Dynasty! Kobe has not been destryed by all the critics!
Make no mistakes ladies and gentlemen, you are witnessing the flight of the phoenix! You are watching the man who will be known when it's all said and done as "The greatest of all time!"
No more comparisons to MJ, please....For the first time in my life, mentioning MJ in the same breath as Kobe doesn't sound right! It ain't right! Kobe is going after WIlt and all time greatness...WHO DO YOU THINK CAN STOP HIM NOW!?
I hope your hatred doesn't rob you of the most magnifiscent NBA feat of our life time!
Posted by: Chosen#23 | January 23, 2006 at 09:33 AM
It's so hard to be an east coast Laker fan. I sit everyday at my computer to follow the Laker's season, to see their playoff standing, to see what other teams schedule looks like and compare them to ours, I stay up to 2:00 in the morning everytime they play a nationally televised game just to have the joy of watching my team, and then I miss a performance like that. I love the Lakers and Kobe Bryant, and it kills me everytime I have to sit at my computer, or watch NBA TV to see what's going on.
Well I've whined enough. I don't understand it, but I know Kobe will be criticized today, after having perhaps the greatest scoring game in NBA history. Why can't people just enjoy what the man does, and understand that he has to do what he does for us to win games. Instead of hating on Kobe, everyone in the sports world should celebrate what he did last night.
Posted by: Asaad Weaver | January 23, 2006 at 09:34 AM
The NBA offers games for purchase through Google Video. They have the Lakers/Blazers game from January 11th on sale for $3.95. So I'm sure this game will be offered within a week or two.
Just go to video.google.com
Posted by: Jova | January 23, 2006 at 09:41 AM
Kobe is unstoppable now.
What, you already knew that?
He's got a greenlight from Magic to ignore the critics. As of last night.
That's it, it's over, a new era has begun.
Kobe has effected a new brand of basketball. It's like in a movie. It's Kobe's unfathomable will versus the other team.
And I don't like the other team's chances.
Posted by: Benjamin | January 23, 2006 at 09:46 AM
Kobe's going after Wilt. Wow. Unbelievable.
Posted by: Jon Kavulic | January 23, 2006 at 09:49 AM
You know what's sad though....J.A ADANDE, PLASCHKE ...Those names my friends are from your hometown paper! Everybody has written about it...except them! They are propably trying to come up with negative remarks about the unbelievable performance!
To J.A ADANDE and PLASCHKE I SAY: PITY!
I pity you! for your heart is forever darkened by your blinding hatred!
Posted by: chosen#23 | January 23, 2006 at 09:51 AM
"CAN YOU DIG IT." 3 years ago in the LALA LAND ALLSTAR game SHAQ shouted regarding to his game MVP honors. Then my brother who is the worst KOBE HATER I know, who was watchin KOBE, LIVE, for the first time after winning a CHAMPIONSHIP replied: "Hey I can dig KOBE making you the MVP in this game." HEY HATERS, instead of just following the media and come up with UNEDUCATED BS, atleast watch and decide for yourself.
Posted by: RayRay | January 23, 2006 at 09:52 AM
Hey, there is a poll on when Kobe will break Wilt's record of 100 points. To vote, go to http://lakers.topbuzz.com and then come back here and let's all talk about when we might think it could happen. Keep those video recorders handy. Wilt's record was untelevised. We can all record Kobe's 102.
Posted by: DA | January 23, 2006 at 09:56 AM
For the next home game, I want to hear chants of 101!!!!
Which team do you guys/gals think he can score ONE HUNDRED AND ONE POINT on?
Posted by: LakersOaf | January 23, 2006 at 09:59 AM
ASSAD - move to L.A.! It's sunny today, a little bit windy, but it's 60 degress!
Posted by: KB8 Fan | January 23, 2006 at 10:12 AM
Last night's record-setting 81-point scoring performance by Kobe was spectacular. Kobe has continued to elevate his game to supernatural heights.
What's so amazing this time around versus the last offensive explosing against Dallas was that the game was very competitive scoreboard-wise. The remarkable aspect of Kobe's achievement last night was his mental fortitude in that he imposed his will on the opposing team. His single-minded "refuse to lose" resolve enabled the Lakers to overcome the first-half deficit and, more importantly, brought the team a victory.
This performance has to rank higher than the 100-point by Wilt, given that the degree of difficulty was greater in Kobe's cause than Wilt's. Look at Kobe's shots from behind the arc and the perimeter shooting versus Wilt's high-percentage, low-post layups. Most of all, the 81-point event was achieved by a 6' 7" swingman versus a 7" 1' center.
Folks, we are in the midst of greatness that is Kobe Bryant. Bow down the Ocho and, once and for all, let's stop casting aspersion and other toxic thoughts toward this man.
All I can say is thanking you Jerry West for trading Kobe back in the mid-nineties for the man himself, Kobe Bryant.
Posted by: 12th Night | January 23, 2006 at 10:14 AM
That was the single greatest individual sports achievement I have ever seen. Thanks Kobe for the incredible memory.
That being said, I don’t think Kobe wins the MVP award on that game alone. From what I have seen this year, either Chauncey Billups or Steve Nash get my vote for MVP, with me leading towards Nash. For him to be putting up his numbers and his teams record with the team he plays with night in and night out (no Amare) you have to figure this guy is as important as any in the league. The Pistons are 33-5 and Billups has been nothing but phenomenal. Now, if the Lakers make a second half surge and get to the 47-50 win level and Kobe keeps this up, then yes, I would think he will get a bunch of votes. You also have to remember, the media votes and we all know that across the board the media is not pro-Kobe.
On another note, how can a man jack up 46 shots and only get TWO assists? He needs to make his teammates better, it would be no fun to play with him.
(…and scene. That’s my audition for the studio crew of TNT).
Posted by: Buffalo Wings | January 23, 2006 at 10:25 AM
Shooting Guards are paid to shoot.....shoot well.....shoot often.....shoot consistently.
I have been saying since before this season ever began that Kobe Bryant's main responsibility as a shooting guard is to shoot the ball. I don't care what the analyst say about assist and getting the others involved, that's not Kobe's first responsibility. When the Bulls won those championships while playing "team basketball" it wasn't simply because of Jordan distributing the ball.....it was because of Scottie Pippen and others distributing the ball as well. Jordan's main distribution came out of double team's as a result of necessity. If you recall, Jordan was more of a player like Dwayne Wade, in that he played inside the 3-point line, driving/slashing often, and only developing a decent 3-point shot in latter years. Kobe, on the other hand, has a very dependable perimeter game that only suffers when he becomes tired and his legs can't support his jump shot.
The bottomline is that Kobe must do what he did last night, if the Lakers are to be successful. He must continue to shoot the ball well and often. That isn't to say that he needs to score 40 points a night. That simply means that he needs to score!!!
Lamar, Smush, Sasha, Devean, Luke, and the others must become better distributors of the ball.
Finally, when the Lakers were winning with Shaq and Kobe, Kobe was not the main distributor of the ball then either.....Ron Harper, Brian Shaw and Derek Fisher controlled that area. Kobe got his when slashing and dishing or the occassional double-team (wasn't double-teamed much during the early years).
By the way, how many assist does Ray Allen, Michael Redd, and Vince Carter get a night? Let the shooter shoot!
Posted by: JJ | January 23, 2006 at 10:28 AM
I feel lucky to have watched the game after reading all these posts. I have most of the games on 2 different channels so I don't have to listen to stupid commentators.
Great performance. I can't believe he didn't collapse afterward! Kobe is really strutting his stuff right now.
Posted by: frank rizzo | January 23, 2006 at 10:33 AM
Bill,
10 championships? That's a pretty tall order. I'll be satisfied with four more from Kobe. If he plays to 37.
It was real nice watching Kobe put up 81 against the Toronto Barney the Dinosaur. I hate that team. Hopefully he just broken their back as an organization.
It was also nice hearing about the phone call between Magic and Kobe after the game.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Jon Kavulic | January 23, 2006 at 10:34 AM
Go Lakers!!
You all are right to the point.
Just check out the article on MSNBC by Michael Venture... The dude still finds some flaws.. even with history being made. The guy just does not hate Kobe. It is even more than hate. He seems to have some kind of inner hurt feelings....
Also, Magic was on air this morning and he said that he called MJ when Kobe had 69 and told him that Kobe is breaking his record. He went further to say that he called the Bald Headed A$$$$ to tell him to catch history in the making. Wonder what He had to say.
If only we can get a second scorer, maybe Webber, we will win the ring!!!
Posted by: Jay | January 23, 2006 at 10:37 AM
Anyone who says Kobe should have passed more, either wasn't watching the game, or doesn't know what they are talking about.
As I and others have asked before, what good is passing when your teammates are wide open and still chucking bricks?
I'd bet Charles Barkeley will have nothing nice to say about Kobe - you can count on it. ("he needs to get his teammates involved more, etc., ad infinitum") That's what you get when you make a bitter no-championship ex-player a commentator. Barkeley is entertaining but there is no hiding the jealousy he (and probably most other players) feels towards Kobe.
I'm sure Kobe's teammates are going to be sick of getting asked about Kobe by every single damned reporter. Well my answer to them is, start hitting your open shots, or just smile and appreciate the fact that you are blessed to play on a team with the greatest ever.
Posted by: newJtimes | January 23, 2006 at 10:41 AM
Kobe Haters Can't Hold Back!!!
At least they are subdued a little bit.
Here's Michael Ventre's article, suggesting that Kobe had a great game but all the MVP talk should wait until he proves better judgement in more situations:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10983893/
What?! Dude, don't you realize that this game signifies what Kobe is? The Game Saver. The Game Changer. The Never Quit, Win no matter what attitude. Why must he continually prove himself?
Hmmm, maybe I am the one overreacting!
Regardless, everyone should enjoy the Kobe show while it lasts this year. I think that Kobe's recent string of performances will have better players geeked up to play with him because the Lakers are truly one very good player away from contending ..
Posted by: Korey | January 23, 2006 at 10:41 AM
Asaad - I feel your pain! Unfortunately, for me I don't even get NBA TV! Our cable provider doesn't carry it. I'm by my computer every Laker game listening to NBA audio league pass.
Damn Kobe!!!!!!! Thank you for topping my day! My Steelers go to the Superbowl and Kobe drops 81!!! Ahh, let me just let it just soak it all it again lol.
I was disappointed at halftime! The whole team sucked! But for Kobe to put the whole team on his back and bring them back from 17 down is MVP worthy in my book!
We definately have to give the rest of the team credit though. The defense picked up in the second half and allowed Kobe do his thing. And about not passing the ball? Who cares! (at least for last night) I mean, seriously, did anyone really want to see anyone else shoot the ball once Kobe reached 60+? I sure didn't!! I wanted him to shoot everytime he touched the ball!
And after Kobe got on a roll did anyone notice how confident the rest of the team got? Smush and Lamar made some good shots and the defense stepped up! Love you Kobe! See you in Cleveland!!!
Posted by: Katie | January 23, 2006 at 10:42 AM
Just cause Kobe doesn't get the assist added to the stat sheet doesn't mean he's not getting his teammates shots and passing the ball. He does a good job of trying to get the team involved.
Posted by: Katie | January 23, 2006 at 10:46 AM
yikes !!!! 81 points on 60% shooting.....60% !!!!
yes ..thats why all the writers are mum....for a permiter player to shoot 60% ...on 46 shots is flat out ridiculous !!!
btw...this just proves that kobe helped make shaq better.... i mean he cudve gone off for one of these nights when shaq was around too...but he always deferred to shaq...which means he passed the ball enough and let the big man have enough touches to be mvp for the finals 3 times...but no writer will ever touch upon that
alls i can say is stop hatin now....what kobe is doing is nothing short of a miracle
Steve Nash is still MVP...and has a healthy lead over Kobe !!!!
Posted by: kida | January 23, 2006 at 10:51 AM
Anybody that spends more time noticing Kobe's assist total last night than anything else, doesn't understand the game. The game of basketball is about scoring points and stopping the other team from doing the same. It's that simple...score, but don't be scored on. However, you choose to accomplish that is up to each team......the outcome is what's most important.
Kobe saw his team playing a sluggish, slow-paced, lack-luster filled game on their way to either a close victory or a potential blow-out loss. He had 2 choices....either let it happen, or do something about it. He chose the latter, and the rest is HIS-STORY!!!
Posted by: JJ | January 23, 2006 at 10:52 AM
to Buffalo Wings,
sounds like you didn't watch the game. the Lakers were having a tough time early on and were down at the half. Kobe tried distributing early on but no-one was making any shots. after the half, he just took it all on himself and took over the offense. the lakers picked up their defense and turned the game around. but having Kobe pick up the offense allowed the rest of the team to save more energy for defense. in addition to Kobe's performance, team defense won this game and allowed Kobe to have more possessions.
Posted by: Ben | January 23, 2006 at 10:55 AM
I have done some research and a little math, and come up with an interesting fact. In Wilt's 100 point game, he had 62.9% of the total 159 points. Bryant's 81 point effort was 66.4% of his team's 122 points. Does this mean his contribution to this game was greater than Wilt's? I think it does, I also think that no one will break Wilt's record in a single 48 minutegame without overtime. This is where we need to consider a break in the record books like MLB where there is a Modern Era. The game has changed too much to really compare the statistics accurately.
I have the game on my DVR(tivo) and unlike his game against the Mavs, I will not be deleting this one. Unfortunately, I do not have a DVD burner, so I am of no help to those who did not see or record it.
MVP!
Posted by: dustin burr | January 23, 2006 at 10:58 AM
FoxSportsWest will be doing their usually replay of the previous night's game at 12:00 noon today. If you missed any of it last night or want to tape/tivo it for prosperity, there's your chance.
Kobe is MVP so far. Nash and Billups have 10x the talent around them as Kobe does, if one of them goes down their team would not go into the kind of tailspin the Lakers would w/o Kobe. I think Marion is Phoenix's MVP to tell you the truth by just a smidgen - Nash is amazing, but they're nowhere without Marion there too. Kobe is easily the Most Valuable Player to his team (it's not about making your teammates better, it's about making your team better), PHX, DET & SAN would all still be decent w/o their starts, the Lakers would not.
Posted by: Kevin McK | January 23, 2006 at 11:01 AM
what i am worried about:
people say kobe is at his prime, and it may be true. But im wondering about his mentality now. He's achieved something that no one will come close to for a while. He proven himself (if he hadnt already, then this game did it for sure) but im talking about his work ethic. and his strive to improve... u think hes gona kick back a little now and let it sink in that hes the greatest? or is he going to still work and becoming a better player? How can he become a better player after scoring 81?
amazing performance. i think he envisions the rings now and thats all... i dont think hes trying to break wilts record.
Posted by: sylvain peltzer | January 23, 2006 at 11:07 AM
Let's play a game. Kobe is a _______. 7 letter word.
First syllable of the word: Rhymes with Hall
Second syllable of the word: Rhymes with Bog
Posted by: msb212 | January 23, 2006 at 11:08 AM
buffalo wings,
lets think about what you're saying. yes the suns have a great record, but look at their team compared to kobes team. and then compare their records...lakers only like 4 or 5 games behind or something. and lakers are young and still improving.
if youre going to complain about kobe's assist total, you've gota be joking.. im not even going to comment on that.
the pistons have put together an amazing team, but its just as much the rest of the team as chauncey billups. i mean wallace is (to me) the best center in the league, at least defensively, rasheed is an amazing athlete, and the depth they have on the bench is amazing, they have a great coach, its no wonder theyre 33-5, Theyre a great team, so i dont believe billups should get MVP.
if you watch kobe enough,(night in nightout for me throughout his career... every single game) you would realize that he is the greatest player to ever play the game. period... (i didnt need a game like this to convince me.. ive known all along.. same with the true fans that know what theyre talking about)
Posted by: sylvain peltzer | January 23, 2006 at 11:16 AM
msb212 you are funny!!!
It's obvious from your recent posts throughout this blog, that you are writing your unfathomable jargon in order to conjure up many angry responses.
Then you laugh at how people act and resond you!! lol.
Kobe's crazy game is undeniably beyond reproach. Dude, you are supposed to wait for something bad to happen to rag on Kobe! Oh well, at least you are consistent...
Posted by: Korey | January 23, 2006 at 11:20 AM
haha kobe's 81 were siiiiiiick!
but arent we asking for a little too much waiting for him to break wilt's record? personally, i doubt that record will ever be broken. its just not happening. especially with how the teams today play defense. yes, the raptors actually played a little defense last night. otherwise kobe would have gotten 101. but if i were a betting man, (and i am) i wouldnt bet on kobe or anyone else breaking wilt's 100. 100 just seems lik eth eperfect number. i think wilt stopped at 100 on purpose. it would be a shame for the highest single game scoring record to be 101 or 102. lets just enjoy this ride and milk kobe the rest of the way. aint nobody touching kobe's 81 for a while.
but to be honest, if i had a choice between watching kobe hit for 81 or having a balanced laker team, i would go with the team. i would much rather mihm miraculously develop soft hands to catch with. i would much rather kwame develop a sense of dignity and pride and play with some passion. i woul dmuch rather odom play to his potential and get his 18,10,8 a game on a consistant basis. i would much rather have the laker shooters make their shots. because as much as i want kobe to win that mvp award up over his head, we all know he's going to have to carry the lakers to at least the 2nd round of the playoffs or the western conference finals to get it; regardless of everything hes done this 1st half of the season.
Posted by: Lefty | January 23, 2006 at 11:23 AM
TOP TEN WAYS TO HATE ON KOBE (After the 81 point game)
10) He's a ball hog
9) He still doesn't make his team better
8) He doesn't play good defense
7) He's one dimensional
6) Put McGrady or Wade on this team in this system, they'll do the same
5)He can't do that against Detroit or San Antonio
4)He's still a snitch
3)He's not about winning, otherwise he would not have run Shaq off
2)Cite some random Hollinger stat that shows what a loser Kobe is
and the number one way to hate on Kobe now is
1) The new rules favor perimeter players, it's easy to score 81 now!
Posted by: KB8 Fan | January 23, 2006 at 11:25 AM
On the MVP debate: This season will reinvigorate the debate over what standard should be used to determine the MVP.
Is it the best player on the best team (e.g. Shaq 2000), the player with the most profound impact on his team (Nash, 2005), or is it the player with the most impressive season (Jordan, 1988)?
I'd argue that the league alternates between all three over time, and my comment above only suggests that Kobe's season is too spectacular to be ignored.
Posted by: Biff Tannen | January 23, 2006 at 11:28 AM
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060123/COLUMNISTS01/601230389/1088/SPORTS04
I found an interesting article involing Jermaine O'Neal and the Indiana Pacers on one of their newspaper websites today. Apparently, some people are entertaining the idea of trading Jermaine before the trade deadline. I would have thought that he was a mainstay. however, maybe he is a trade option. I wonder if the Lakers could get in on some of this action. Jermaine to LA could be the piece to put the Lakers right back in serious contention.
I would imagine that for the Lakers to even be a factor in a trade like this, it would require that a third team be included. No player, the caliber of Jermain could be traded away for less than an All-Star player or 2 players, making up an All-Star player. However, with a third team....the possibilities are open. Here's my thought about the situation.
The Lakers could give up Chris Mihm, Slava Medvedenko and Brian Cook. Indiana could give up Jermaine O'Neal and Ron Artest. Sacramento could give up Peja and a draft pick. Sacramento would get Ron Artest and Chris Mihm. Indiana would get Peja, Brian Cook and Slava Medvedenko. The Lakers would get Jermaine O'Neal. I don't know how that works out money-wise, but it appears that each team gets something good.
Indiana is the only team that might have a problem with this trade considering them losing 2 All-Stars. However, Ron isn't going to be a part of the team anyway, so at least they get something (Brian Cook and Slava Medvedenko) for him. Plus, Slava's contract is coming up, so they would have salary cap room next year.
Kobe, Jermaine and Lamar, would be the 3-some the Lakers need in order to be a contender. Smush and Kwame, would be solid players to fill the other 2 spots.
I know it sounds a little crazy and all, but I didn't have much time to think of a better scenario. In a little while, I'll have an even better one.
Posted by: JJ | January 23, 2006 at 11:28 AM
awwww cmon msb212, dont be mad cuz your sparks suck.
its ok, im sure your upcoming wnba season will be much more entertaining than watching grown men play ball.
or maybe you should go to the neighborhood parks and watch little boys and girls play in their pee wee leagues.
Posted by: Lefty | January 23, 2006 at 11:35 AM
msb212:
If you think Kobe is a ball hog, why don't you shoot 81 points a game. I and the rest of the Laker Fans would like to see you do it in the NBA. You got some balls calling him a ball hog when you do not play in the NBA yourself. Why don't you be in the NBA and try that? You are saying that you can score 81? Well good luck and if you do remember that it won't be Kobe who is a ball hog, it is YOU.
On another topic....
KOBE BRYANT MVP. I don't care what you guys think. Nash is good but when you have a guy like Kobe, cmon. Nash's time as an MVP is done so let Kobe have one for a change. Hopefully those fools in the media will allow for once Kobe slack and be the greatest player there is. Detriot is good but that's because they have some of the other good talent in this league AKA Billups, the Wallaces. Phoenix is the same story since they have Marion, Nash and others. Kobe is the one who is getting the Lakers into the playoffs. And no one can argue about that. He even had a couple of assits this time.
And everyone plz remember that Khan:
KHAN- THE WORST IDIOT IN THIS WORLD
KHAN- WHO WANTED TO TRADE KOBE FOR NENNE AND WATSON
KHAN- THE CLIPPER FAN
KHAN- WHEN HE RESPONDS TO THIS THING, WILL NOT KNOW WTF HE IS TALKING ABOUT
KHAN- WHOSE IDEAS WILL MAKE THE LAKERS INTO THE WORST TEAM IN THE NBA, EVEN WITH THE GREAT KOBE BRYANT TRYING TO WIN IT FOR US TRUE LAKERS FAN
KHAN- WHAT MORE CAN I SAY?
Go Lakers and Kobe!!!
Posted by: arthas (Tom Brady) | January 23, 2006 at 11:38 AM
I just want to notice that Kobe made this unbelievable performance in his game number 666
Posted by: Pablete | January 23, 2006 at 11:42 AM
Let's play a game. Kobe is a _______. 7 letter word.
First syllable of the word: Rhymes with Hall
Second syllable of the word: Rhymes with Bog
Answer: All-Blog
That was a good game Msb212. And the Answer makes sense. With Kobe scoring a historic 81 points in a game, he deserves to have is own blog. Lets play another one.
Kobe is a _______. 7 letter word.
First syllable of the word: Rhymes with Hall
Second syllable of the word: Rhymes with Jar
I tell you what, I'll give you the answer: ALL STAR
Posted by: Ron | January 23, 2006 at 11:42 AM
KOBE , THE "8(th)1"DER OF THE WORLD !
Posted by: Thomas Shum | January 23, 2006 at 11:42 AM
Add to top ten ways to hate on Kobe:
- He had three pointers, Wilt didn't (even though he only got 7 extra points from threes)
Posted by: KB8 Fan | January 23, 2006 at 11:45 AM