The only sure trades I would do that you listed are Duncan and LeBron. I'm just not sold on D-Wade Or Kevin Garnett. I haven't seen them dominate games and will their teams to victory in important games.

Neither has Lebron, but his youth and seemingly durable body enhance his trade value.

Also, I installed cable for Steven, and he confided in me that even HE doesn't believe half the things he says, he is just trying to stir up controversy.

LeBron - maybe. Main reason being that he's a lot younger [though, am I in the minority when I think he's prolly older than the 21 he claims to be?] than KB, and nearly as good. Mind you, I don't think he is better than Kobe, but he *might* be - someday. I don't know if he has the intangibles that KB8 brings to the table.

And though this is impossible to visit now[hindsight is always 20/20] would you have traded Lebron for MJ when he was at KB's age? 27/28 without having won a ring [yet]?

But thinking as a GM I would prolly be inclined to pull the trigger on this one, if only to get the promise of *youth* [is 27 old?] and excitement that LeBron brings.

TD, KG - nah, nah. Call me an idiot, but TD and KG are older than KB8, and neither has shown a propensity to carry teams by themselves - I'm not talking about averaging 20/10, but the ability to single-handedly win games like KB and Shaq. Now, if they were 21, then maybe.

D-Wade - nah. Too short. He might be lightning quick right now, but all that pounding he's taking, and those miles he is racking up are bound to take a physical toll on him soon.

Good topic for discussion :)

Wow this blog is full stupid people. All I have to say is when you know something about basketball, till then, don't post any ridiculous comments.

lol trading the best player this generation Kobe Bryant for a kid who can't play defense "King James" lol! that's amusing. Lebron James is not as good as you think he is.

Kevin, who writes poems about Kobe, wouldn't trade him. Didn't see that coming.

AK

i think Kobe is the best, i mean homeboy can play and im one of his biggest fan. Now putting that aside i would trade for Lebron, i mean the kid is young and it will benefit the team in the future, especially seeing as the lakers probally dont have a shot at the Gold for a couple more years to say the least. so i agree with Ak on that one, however Wade ill have to seriously think about if i was the GM, but i probably wouldnt do it, seeing as his defense doesnt seem as strong. Now when it comes down to KG or TD, you'll be a idiot to do it. KG is 30 years old, and although he still dominates giving this current roster he will be on out of his prime by the time the lakers are ready to make a run at the championship (kobe will barely be reaching his prime) so KG is out, the same goes for Tim duncan plus i think he really is limited to what he can do for a team. so the bottom line is the age factor, and the future, and so far the only person i would consider trading kobe for is Lebron, but now returning to my current state of mind, and my loyalty for kobe, F@#$ NO!!! kobe's the man you'll be stupid to trade him...
go lakers

“Let Kobe Rain” - (Update)

Game in and game out

Lakers Fans are impatient and that’s what they are about

When you’re not winning

You’re blaming

It’s okay, let off your steam more on him than the Team

Point all your fingers and throw all your lies onto that one guy

He’s probably wearing number eight

Look at all the hate; this guy must be that great

Cast it on him, It’ll only pass by

For you know how good he is, so you must deny

Please don’t envy, please don’t hate

Maybe to you, this is just his fate

Over and over, he takes criticism and blame.

Again and again, how awful this is to the Lakers team game.

When the Refs can’t blow a whistle, you know something’s wrong.

Maybe they need to start giving him the respect, and acknowledge what’s going on.

He gets more miss calls than anybody that plays basketball.

When the game’s locked on tight, the Refs can’t call a play right.

How absurd it is to watch.

This team is more than one cause.

The Refs are fools.

Calling nothing, just pretending to play it cool.

I’m disappointed in the city of L.A.

As much as I am in the Lakers Plays.

Those that care only about the W, maybe that is what counts.

But we shouldn’t put one guy on the spotlight and Shout.

Sick of those so-called Lakers “Fans”.

They just need to cheer and start clapping their hands.

They need to give him more support

So we can all hop aboard.

When the Lakers are losing, people are grouping

Complaining about Kobe’s shooting.

Truth is, teammates need to step up

And start playing tough.

When someone can make a shot

It will help a lot.

It’s not K.B. to blame

It’s the media and critics who should be ashamed.

I’ve repeated this too many times

Maybe greatness is just a crime.

My lungs are getting tired

So I’m not going to say

For the new year, let’s just hope for decent plays.

Lakers fans, you need to realize

For us to win we want Kobe by our side.

Just be Patient, this team will survive.

Thank you, Haters.

Phil wouldn't coach Lebron...He picked Kobe, I think that goes a long way! I mean hasn't the guy won like 9 rings and coach a certain Michael Jordan!??

I don't know man, people just love to believe the Hype!
I think it says a lot when the lakers away games are almost always sold out! You can't say the same for the Cavaliers or the Heat! (If you don't believe it! check the numbers for yourself!).
People just love to hate Kobe but can't stop watching him!
If you want to make good PR, you pick Lebron, if you want to win championship, you Take Kobe. I think most GM would pick Kobe over Lebron because he's aproven warrior! Lebron is full of promise but then again so was Malone, Barkley, Vince carter, Penny Hardaway and the list goes on and on!!!

Lebron James is simply not as good as Kobe! He has shown to be very good in casual games but he will fold under pressure, Kobe has proven hat when "giants" gather, HE BECOMES A TITAN!

Kobe with the cavs right now and Lebron with the Lakers...I think you know who would have a better record!

This is a sad day! Lebron James, very good Player who can't play defense, struggle shooting, gets lost in games and walks a fine line (Always remember than Lebron falling is a bigger story than his rise!)

Kobe Bryant, the best player of his generation at his prime....maybe better than the greatest of all time when it's all said and done...proven winner!

If I had the choice I'd take the $5,000,000 money bag instead of the lottery ticket for potentially $50,000,000.

I would have to think about but i dont think I would pull the trigger LB is good and I would love to have him on the Laker but he has no defense!! Wade can drive but once again his D is lacking. See there is alot guys in the league who can score like Kobe but their total game is suspect. Kobe is # two in the league in scoring and is in the top ten for assist for shooting guards. And has been on the all defensive team first team second team and third team. If you get rid of him there no guard that can give you the quick fix back. Trading for TD/KG or Amare would be nice but we would still need a shooting guard.

This is a ridiculous topic. Kobe Bryant has been in and WON more Playoff games then any of these guys put together (other than TD) But even Duncan hasnt Won more games in the clutch for his team than Kobe. Kobe is only 28 years old. Put more good players around Kobe, The Lakers Win another Championship Handsdown. This is a no Brainer, Kobes experience alone Says hes the one you build around. Lebron Hasnt done Crap in this league yet. KG hasnt done Crap in this league yet (10 years now right?). Duncan has but as has been already written Hes not a clutch player. Hes a great post player But not a clutch Player like Kobe. Kobe is far and away the best in the league and has been for several years now. The team needs better experienced players surrounding Kobe not rookies. When that happens This team will win.

I thought the trade involving Steven to the knicks for an "idiot" and a secound rounder from their blog was approved!!!

This guy still here?

TRADE STEVEN NOW...we can even throw in Slava for good measure!

Ok, I have to rescind my previous answer - after watching tonight's Cavs/Rockets game, I don't think Kobe for LeBron is a good trade, even with the age difference. I actually haven't seen LeBron play much and was going pretty much off stats and press. Here's the thing I didn't know - Lebron doesn't get double teamed! Do you know what kind of numbers Kobe would put up if he had single coverage all the time? We can look at 62 pts vs. Dallas for that answer. Apparently LeBron's teammates are such threats that they don't just automatically send 2 guys at him on every possesion, that's makes his stats very misleading.

Lebron is a great player. Anyone who puts up his kind of numbers with regularity even with single coverage is a special player, but whether or not he could still do the same thing on a team with no other options is speculation. Averaging 30+ points with 5 & 5 with 2 defenders on you all night every night is a lot different than averaging 30/7/7 with single coverage. He also proved to me that he still has no defense, despite his young quick legs, he was abused by McGrady all night on simple stepbacks and jab steps.

Lebron deal is off. I'll still take KG in an even trade for Kobe, but I think that might be the only straight up that works for me now.

If you had to go on potential and age, any GM would trade Kobe for Lebron. However, I bet you back in the mid to late 80s some Bulls fans were probably screaming for them to trade Jordan for Magic since Jordan was a selfish ballhog who couldn't trust his teammates either (then they hired Phil, surrounded Jordan with complimentary players worth a damn and the rest is history). However, both Magic and Lebron are alike in that they are both played the 1 with the body of a 4 and had the capability to put up 30 points a night if they wanted to, but they are also alike in that they are not even adequate defenders on the ball (can play help-side/team D but can't lock their man down night after night). But Kobe and Jordan have the ability to bring it every night on both ends of the floor. However, Kobe is not Jordan, and Lebron is not Magic.
To me, Wade is a more swole version of Allen Iverson in terms of his toughness and ability to get to the hole. But like AI, those hits and poundings will eventually add up and Wade will slow down as well. But anyone who argues that Wade is better than Kobe is an idiot. PERIOD. The only skill that Wade has on Kobe is kissing up to Shaq. Wade, with all his skill, doesn't draw double teams every night. But you can also argue that Kobe didn't draw doubles either when he had Shaq (which Kobe didn't). Take away Shaq and Zo from Miami and tell me if Wade could handle being the man. The media acts like Wade is better because he has Shaq's stamp of approval, just like Penny and Kobe USED to have.
All in all, if the Lakers' bench and starters had the team defensive level of Detroit and San Antonio, I would take the risk of Lebron.

AK,
No way you trade straight up for KG or TD. Not even a thought. AS good as those two are, they are bigs and REQUIRE talent to get them the ball (moreso TD, but KG to a lesser extent). it's like the difference between terrell owens and tom brady. they are both magnificent talents, but one has the ball in their hands all the time and one requires someone to get them the ball. besides, as presently constituted, neither KG nor TD would make this team markedly better. in fact, since they do not primarily handle the rock, they would actually make this team worse b/c no matter how great KG and TD are, no team routinely doubles them, which means no open shots for any other Lakers (who have trouble knocking them down when open). of course, we can take it to the other extreme...what if they did double KG and TD...are they athletic enough and skilled enough on the dribble to create a shot that doesn't exist between two players?

the LeBron trade is obviously a no-brainer...that's not even a discussion as he is a freak and he's only 21. he IS NOT better than Kobe right now and may never desire to play defense the way Kobe does, but he is serviceable on the defensive end and may get better. the difference between kobe and LeBron to me is that LeBron IS better than (almost) everyone playing bball and Kobe "WANTS" to be better than everyone (and i believe he is). kobe's desire and ambition, his singular focus to be better than you, is the difference between he and everyone else (and what subsequently turns people off, i believe). LeBron is freakishly gifted by the gods, but his desire to be the greatest is not equal to kobe's. he's just better than most because he was born that way. that's why kobe excels on defense the way MJ did...b/c he took it personally when another person scored. that attention to both ends makes Kobe better than LeBron. but of course, LeBron's youth makes it an easy trade to make.

Jermaine O'Neal was arguably the second best player on that team at the start of the year. and again, he's a post. add to that the fact that he is the same age as kobe and bigs wear down before guards and i would NOT make that trade. besides, you can't tell me you would TODAY, straight up take O'Neal and give Kobe to indy. think about that for one second. where the hell does that get the Lakers?

if you traded straight up for D-Howard, you would be betting on the come. he hasn't proved enough yet to give the most talented player in the league away.

Amare is a beast, but he needed Nash to make his numbers matter. he dunks well, does not have a perimeter game and plays lackidasical man-on defense (though he roams and blocks shots). he needs a guard to allow him room to roam...we don't have one.

D-Wade, IMO, is reaching the apex of what he is gonna do. he's great, but i don't see him getting better. whether it is enough to trade #8 straight-up is close to call. the only reason i would is age, but even then, i may not. remember when MJ's skills started to erode a little, he was still smarter than everyone else. that's where i see Kobe going. he's already got that fade away and the defense. i don't see Flash developing a fadeaway.

How quickly they forget the 3 titles. I wouldn't trade Kobe for ANY 2 players in the league.

OK OK !!!!!!!
answer me this,Whose on that list is battle tested?UHMMMMM!!!!!!!!I thought so ,maybe just maybe tim but i watched him last year in the playoffs where they were fouling him on propose,the hack-a-tim because he couldn't make free-bee's.You have to ask yourself game is on the line who do you want with the ball,the 8th wonder that's who,let look back at just this year alone because if we do career it's not fair to anyone on that list,how many game winning are game changing shot's do kobe have compared to anyone to anyone in the league right now.I rest my case the defense stand's

Phil would have traded Kobe . . . .

In Phil's book "The Last Season," he states that he advocated trading Kobe during his first season with the Lakers and that the Suns were willing to trade Shawn Marion and Jason Kidd for Kobe -- a trade that Phil, personally, would have made.

Phil goes on to say in the book that turning down the trade was a huge missed opportunity for the Lakers, that if the Lakers had made the trade they might have won five titles instead of three.

I agree. A huge missed opportunity for the Lakers.

Brokli,

I hear what you're saying about bigs needing someone to give them the ball, and it's a very good point. But keep in mind, I never said, "trade Kobe for TD (or KG), then stand pat." Whether the Lakers had either of the 3, they would still need to add players aroud them (as we all agree the Lakers must do now with Kobe). No matter what the situation is, the (theoretical) front office work isn't done.

But I think, for the most part, it's easier to build around a high caliber big than a high caliber wing. Obviously, both can be done. But in my opinion, building around the big is easier.

Thanks for joining in the fray.

AK

you guys got to be kidding. I would trade odom for them but not kobe.

Hmmm. There was a time when I would have traded (although that seems blasphemous now) Kobe for KG straight up. But that was in the summer of 2003 when the scandal broke out about Kobe's affair with the woman.

Judging on COMPLETE skills though (OFFENSE/DEFENSE), right now Kobe has few equals.

1. A.I.
2. TD
3. Nash

As it stands right now based on YOUTH, LEADERSHIP, SKILLS, DURABILITY POTENTIAL and MARKETABILITY there are only 1 player that could be traded straight up for Kobe IF WE ARE BASING THIS TRADE in projection towards the future. They are as follows:

Kobe for LeBron

Wade is not a CRUNCH TIME player like Kobe. Did you see him hoist all those airballs on Christmas. He can't shoot from outside that good even worse when the game is still undecided in the late minutes.

You could argue that LeBron does not play defense but did Magic? Did Larry Bird? Just surround LeBron with a very good squad and you've got a contender.

Kobe right now suffers because it does not help having such a poor and unreliable squad surrounding him.

He's damned if he does and he's damned if he doesn't.

But surround him with someone like a certain number of solid defenders and reliable/consistent second and third options and you have a contending Laker team.

That's why even if the Lakers were to acquire Artest and kept Odom...that would not be enough. Because Odom is not a consistent scorer.

But plug in a reliable shooter like let's say Peja (in his better days) then we have something special.

As of now LeBron makes the most sense based on the above mentioned.

Any other swap would be crazy for LA (like Wade, Howard) because they have not the accolades of Mr. Bryant but perhaps that will come with time, it's just not enough for me as a fantasy Laker GM.

REMEMBER KOBE'S RESUME: 3 rings, 1 All-Star MVP, 5 time all-defensive first team, and numerous outstanding play-off performances that's stuff of legends.

Sticking w/AK's request for comment, I would not trade Kobe for any player, period. Objective reasons: Let's start with the clutch factor. Game 4 of the 2000 finals in Indiana w/fat butt Shaq on the bench fouled out. Anyone remember that one? Game 3 of the first round playoffs in 2000 against Phoenix, on and on I could go. True, in D Wade and Lebron's case, they haven't been afforded as many opportunities, but that shouldn't work against Kobe. Next, let's try and find a weakness in Kobe's game. On the court, there is none. D Wade can't shoot threes and his D ain't near Kobe's. Lebron can't play much D either. Duncan can't hit free throws and has wilted under playoff pressure like no other 3 time Finals MVP. KG lacks the kiler instinct-- don't mistake intensity and passion for the game for wanting the ball w/the game on the line. Back to Kobe, he can handle the rock, pass it, has unlimited range, a past first team all D and shoots over 80% from the line with ease.

Now the only weakness of Kobe's on court is that he is an egomaniac which affects his ability to get along with his teamates. But think of someone that would have walked in Kobe's shoes (playing in LA, 3 championships, 8 (I think) straight all star starts, all those endorsements) and would not have a serious ego. It's pretty impossible to come up w/someone because that type of success leads to that size of egos. Plus, those old enough understand that as we age, we learn a sense of humility. I think I see it in Kobe, more so in the past 2+ years. True, some may have to do w/his Colorado incident, but more having to do w/maturing. More importantly, players can be taught to become humble-- especially after missing the playoffs for enough years. But players can't taught to be clutch, have a killer instinct or even have that all-around game like Kobe's for that matter.

Bottom line, as a whole, trading Kobe for anyone else would be a downgrade in talent!

Andrew Z,

I disagree with you on your list of "untouchables". I really don't see KG in a Minny uniform next season, if not by the trade deadline. As much mutual love KG and Minny has for each other, I think its agreed that its time for KG to move on.

For me, there are only 2 players that I would trade for: Duncan and LeBron

I don't think I need to explain why Duncan. But LeBron simply because he's so young, so good and STILL improving. He has the potential to be better than Kobe.

Nigel,

I only mentioned KG as untouchable because he is one of the players that if they did trade him it would set their entire franchise back years. I can't really see a small market team like Minnesota giving up KG for anyone...unless they get one of the people we have been mentioning in this blog. Of course, KG could go Shaq on the Wolves and demand a trade, then all bets are off (although he seems to classy to do that).

Here is an interesting article which might shed some light on what NBA GMs think of Kobe and others in the league.

http://whitwatson.sunsportstv.com/2005/10/nba-votes-are-in.html

Why are you people still discussing trading Kobe Bryant

You guys are idiots stop posting stupid comments about trading a player that can go 1v5.

Phil Jackson would never allow letting Bryant leave. The only reason why he came back to the Lakers was because he wanted to reunite with Kobe Bryant. He doesn't want a Lebron James because he finds no interest in Lebron. He compares Lebron to any other common all star. But this Kobe bryant, is a very special superstar.

Who saw the Houston Rockets vs. the Cleveland Cavaliers tonight? Jan. 5th 2006
This game proved my point
Lebron cannot guard anyone in the game
He has no defense.
Tracy MCgrady blew past him over 10 times in the game and Tracy is playing with a bad back injury.
Lebron cannot play defense.
You think Kobe would let McGrady pass by like that?
Kobe Bryant would smother McGrady and not allow him to just drive in and make easy lay-ups.

All this reading is giving me a headache.

I HAD to skip the poem. Ugh.

I'm dizzy.

Lebron - I would not trade Kobe for Lebron. Unless I had somebody similar to James Worthy and Kareem on the team, catch my drift? He doesn't play defense, nor will he ever. I think he's just too big and bulky to ever play good defense.

KG - Probably not. He's a great player but I don't think he'll ever win a championship.

TD - Probably the only player that I would trade for Kobe because he's a legit big man who has won championships and knows what it takes.

Dwayne Wade - Why would I want someone who plays like Kobe and is shorter by 2 inches?

Amare - Nope, he puts up the stats but without Nash he's just an all-star. Kind of reminds me of a bigger more athletic Shawn Marion.

An unidentified source from Lakers organization just told me that they are very much interested in bringing back DFish. One of the possibility they are exploring is trading Odom for DFish. The official believes that this would definately put Lakers on a championship hunt again like when they won 3 rings with DFish. Great new Lakers Fan! DFish is back...

Come to think about it, I think I would only take Duncan for Kobe IF this Laker team were better. How many of you here think the Lakers would do better with Duncan on THIS team rather than Kobe?

What this Laker team seriously lack is scoring, and that's what Kobe provides. Duncan is no doubt a solid player, but he needs to have a good TEAM as well (ala Tony, Manu, Finley..etc). I think that if you put Duncan on THIS team, the Lakers will have a worse record than they do now. The last two games proved that the Lakers should be renamed the Hawks without Kobe. I think Kobe's suspension will prove to the league what he has done with these bunch of guys. No doubt he can be a bit selfish at times, but his overall competitiveness and greatness cannot be denied. It's what sets him apart from other players in the league (Iverson has similar traits as well).

Duncan will provide leadership and consistency, but I seriously doubt he can carry THIS Laker team to the playoffs. He simply cannot provide the scoring this Laker team NEEDS in order to make the playoffs. I would only trade for Duncan IF I could make other trades to bring in better players as well.

Having said that, I think that all Kobe needs for this team to succeed is a consistent second scorer. Lamar Odom can be that man but he needs to be more confident. Smush has also been a dissapointment after such a promising start. The Lakers need to start trusting themselves before they can ask Kobe to trust in them.

AK, I wanna know your thoughts. Would you still trade for Duncan if you had to stick with this same Laker team for at least till the end of the season? Don't you agree that Duncan needs a solid team around him to be successful as well? Also, do you think Kobe will win a championship with the current Spurs team? Will the Spurs pull the trigger if an Kobe-Duncan seriously came up?

Really good discussion here AK. I'm glad you brought it up.

khan.........nvm your post is so stupid it's not even worth responding to....

go lakers...

Nigel,

If Duncan subbed for Kobe on this particular team, they'd probably stay more or less the same, I'm guessing. Maybe a little better, since it's sometimes harder to stop a high quality big than a high quality wing. But certainly not tons better, for sure. Then again, by just keeping Kobe, they're not all that incredible, either. Like I told Brokli earlier, whether you'd pull the trigger on any of these hypothetical swaps or not, pieces need to be added, regardless. Kobe can't carry this team, or one similar, to a championship.

But earlier you said, "all Kobe needs for this team to succeed is a consistent second scorer." Well, whatver player you brought in that can put up 18-22, Duncan (or whoever you traded Kobe for) would also get to play with that guy, too. Thus, Duncan's now playing with a better Laker squad. The same rules have to apply for both. You can't nix Duncan because he couldn't carry this team, but then say Kobe could do it, if only they added another quality player. That's a double standard.

That actually brings me to another point. There are a lot of people nixing LeBron, Wade, KG, etc. because they haven't won anything yet. It's a fair criticism, if a bit misleading, given that Wade and LeBron have barely been in the league, and KG never played with a team remotely as good as Kobe's. But still, it's valid. They haven't won.

But everyone also needs to keep in mind, when it comes to carrying a team as the #1 option, Kobe doesn't have a big-time track record, either. During the 1st Phil Jackson era (I won't count last or this season, since they're clearly rebuilding), in games with Shaq out and Kobe the focal point, the Lakers went 26-25. Yeah, the O was desgined around Diesel and the supporting casts back then weren't built for high octane scoring, either. Hell, Soumaila Samake (remember him?) started one game at the 5. But it was still guys like Fish, Horry, Fox, GP, Malone, Shaw, Ho-Grant, Rice, etc. In other words, they hardly sucked. And Kobe led them to just above .500.

Now, I'm not saying Shaq carried Kobe, or any nonsense like that. Shaq needed Kobe JUST as much as the other way around. And Kobe should get props for those rings. But he still never won them with a team centered around him. Not saying he can't. Not by a long shot. But until he actually does it, if you wanna be fair about this debate, some of those doubts you're throwing at LeBron, D-Wade, KG, etc. have to apply a bit to Ocho, too. He's no more proven at in this PARTICULAR scenario than any of the others. Not being negative. Just being honest.

Good question, Nigel.

AK

Hey Fan Faithful,
This is getting a little to overdone on a dialy basis, but I love it! So,... since we are all at it and want to be the GM so bad it hurts. I mean so many theories and such little substance on who really could help this team now, before the deadline not fantasyland no salary cap and no Phil intervention.

The truth is Jerry Buss isn't ready to spend it all on this team. Kupchak and Phil know it will be a struggle to make the playoffs with this team as is. The baggage will be sifted out but never fast enough for us Win-it-all fans!

The only guys who could really sure up this team are so deep in contract and salaries that would bury us (KG, Amrare, TD, Artest, and LeBron )it is going to take young talent and some big breaks on drafts and taking chances on players like Smush and hope Turiaf can bang. My man Mateen Cleaves!!! that line went over horribly but he is out there and plays decent defense, better than Smush if you look at footwork and fighting through screens. Poor Bastard hasn't had a chance to get any playing time everywhere he's gone, behind Chauncy,Bibby, then Ridnour gets the minutes for being the big contract and great white hope in Sonic land. Anyway, Marcus Fizer will make it into the league someday, mark my words, he's palying with kids down in D-League. Poor-mans Danny Fortson, with better D. Just for more controversy, DWade can play D and will be a huge star in the league, fills up the stats and knows how to win a game at crunch time. Might even have a better shot selection than Kobe. But there aint a chance in hell Dr.Buss is letting Kobe out of the building - those 62 points will keep us all coming back to see it again!

If we keep losing and this season starts to stink after Kobe comes back I sure hope we start to see sky hooks from Bynum.

Only a great big man could really make a difference- or maybe a hypnotist for Mihm. Brother goes off for 20/10 then nothing. Getting rid of Slava, DGeorge, Green, and maybe even Sasha and Luke will be our Off- season worries, and of course Smush, we have to get better and bigger at point unless he becomes a difference maker and fill ups the stats. His D needs a lot of work.

The smartest thing they can do is get out of Big Man Hell and work on a tight young group of rim-bangers. Odom aint it either, he can wait all he wants but if he makes our Olympic team I would bet against it. I wonder if Kupchak has read Billy Ball. Later bLoggers

Let's face it- the Lakers will NEVER be able to deal Kobe for his fair-market value- he's too good a player, and not even close to his b-ball prime. However, if a deal for Lebron or TD came up, trading Kobe be the smart move. The Lakers would go from the mediocrity of .500 to a 2nd round playoff team(provided that management would make the right complementary moves) AT LEAST.

Kobe or Lebron- who'd be better for this franchise? Well, Lebron is a Magic throwback, whose all-around game would make EVERY Laker better. I love watching Kobe go off when he's hot, but I see a team that stands around and watches- he's Dominique Wilkins with Michael Jordan's guile- and we are now Hawks' fans. Wouldn't a Lebron or a Wade make things interesting again for us? Like, maybe we could be in contention for something in May or June?

Personally, I'm a Shaq guy, for no other reason than he still gets invites to the playoffs. Yes, he's out of shape, but he still passes the ball and at least he's team oriented. Kobe might be the best individual talent in the NBA since Jordan- certainly one of the best of all time. Unfortunately, the Lakers are about winning, and no one can do it alone. So, any GM with brain activity and a love for the team perspective of our Laker history would deal Kobe in the blink of an eye. I don't care if our best player has the heart of an assassin, or is contending for scoring titles. We need to be playing ball in June ...

People are talking a lot about Lebron and wade potential improvement ...They have been in the league now for 3 years, they are very close to their peak...Look at lebrons statistics and you will see that he will not go much higher, maybe 4 to 5 more points a game, a few less rebounds and assists depending on how he will adjust his game. Come on guys, this is basketball, do you seriously think Lebron will average 40 points , 7 assist and 7 rebounds a game for the rest of his brilliant carrier :). He gonna get double or tripple teamed.

Just compare the defense on kobe and lebron and you will see that nba insiders know who is the best. kobe is systematically doubled or trippled, and half the fouls are not called! still he mystifies and mesmerizes and "posterises" you! I am sure most players beg their coach not to be the one guarding kobe.
If eddie jones was not in LA when kobe came in first, he would have dropped 25 every night, Shaq also was here after that, so kobe was never a first option...
Lebron will NEVER be as good as KB8! you just have to look at kobe dribbling the ball! the 8th wonder is all science and knowledge ...

All of the haters are just supplying the fuel Kobe needs, and the fire inside of him is becoming bigger. I can bet all the money in the world the Lakers will beat the 76ers today. Therefore all the haters do what u do best "hate" and watch one guy step-up and show u how the game is supposed to be played.

AK,

kobe was not remotely near his self that he is now,willing his teeam to victory as well as being gr8 in the clutch.

Thanks, everyone, for making Steven feel important about himself. His mission has been accomplished, and I'm sure he's celebrating his 15 minutes of fame.

This is a ridiculous topic that should have not garnered this much attention.

Et tu, AK? Et tu?

Okay, okay... dude, I can't believe you let a lunatic like Steven force your hand. What are you thinking?

I would not trade Kobe for Duncan nor KG.

However, under the present team, I would trade Kobe for LeBron. LeBron's younger and makes his teammates significantly better than Kobe does. Kobe has yet to aquire that skill and he's 27. He may not figure out how to do that until he's in his 30's.

Kobe plays much better defense than LeBron, but LeBron has time to develop.

Now, if it were another Lakers team with a second superstar on it, I'd keep Kobe and wouldn't trade him for LeBron. Kobe has a competitive greatness to him that I do not see in LeBron. This near-dysfunction of Kobe simply needs the right environment. If given it, things happen on the court that cannot he quantified--a kind of basketball magic.

Kobe may never accept it, but he needs another superstar for him to play at his best. What I mean by best is that his presence works in a dynamic that creates greatness on a team.

Kobe cannot carry a team to greatness on his own, particularly because of the relatively solitary nature of his play. You bring in another superstar with a less solitary nature of play who can stand up to Kobe, then you have the greatest dynamic in the present history of basketball.

AK,

I know you're trying to be a fair blogmaster, but I fear you are just giving strength to wackos like Steven.

Why don't you just put forth the question: Who would be a better Laker--Shaq, Kobe, Aquaman, Batman, or Spider-Man?

Barring any major unforeseen changes, Kobe's going to be a Laker until he retires. He's going to be one of the few to retire on the same team that drafted him.

He's our guy.

I am terrifically amazed that there is a large segment of Laker "fans" who want Ron Artest on our team, yet there seems to be an equally large segment (perhaps the SAME segment) that wants to trade Kobe. I just don't get it. Where do these people come from?

How was working with Shaquille O'Neal? Was it tough?
– Raul Torres (Madrid, Spain)

EP: He was a good student, although not motivated. He did all he had to do and no more. He doesn't care. Seeking greatness in shooting is hard mental and physical work. He is an emotional shooter. He only cares and hopes he can make them when he's missed a whole bunch or when the game is on the line. He can't figure that every single shot is big. He knows he is bigger than the game and does not want to be a true superstar like Jordan, who wants nary weakness in his game. Shaq improved about 30 percent while I worked with him for eight months. A Los Angeles Times full page article read "Shooting Phenom Saves Lakers Season." I earned an NBA ring for the effort, but not one jot or tittle of appreciation from Shaq ever. Sad but true. You go figure.

- Ed Palubinskas, From chat published in hoopshype.com on coaching Shaq.

Just sign Turriaf. Lebron is good, Wade is very good, and KG and Duncan are amazing but they are not available. Mitch must get his priorities straight and what the Lakers need right now is Turriaf. If the Lakers can’t do this by next week Wednesday Mitch should be fired.

Bridgeport,

LO took 17 shots against Utah, and *still* no other Laker scored in double-figures. Was that Kobe's selfish fault, too? His team mates must step up.

Kobe wins games by himself, which makes him dangerous in the playoffs. Which if I'm GM and Buss is my owner (don't forget that GM's don't own teams), and we all know that Buss is about playoffs and not regular seasons, I've got to put that at the top of my list.

LeBron for Kobe: Can't. King James has no D. Lakers wouldn't make playoff. Buss looses $$ and fires me.

KG for Kobe: Got to think about that one, dude's like 7 feet with handles, J and heart. But, much older -- pro'lly not. Close, though.

Wade for Kobe: HELL No! Wade would have to come with a defender as well to match up with Kobe. That's outside the rules. No brainer.

Amare for Kobe: Amare is sick, but maybe he's fragile. What if he's another Grant Hill. Stay away like the plague.

Duncan for Kobe: Can't shoot FT. Can't lock anybody up.

T-Mac for Kobe: No D, No T-Mac. Dude is ill, though.

Truth is, if you could somehow puts Kobe's work ethic into the bodies of any of these other guys, you would have a monster. Does anybody realize that Kobe is the shortest guy at the top of the list of best players in the league? 2 more inches and there would be NO DOUBT! He's the ONLY perimeter player in the top 5. Sorry, Wade. Gotta play D if you want to be in THIS club.

My list is like this:
Kobe
Duncan
Garnett
James
McGrady

And, I don't know what games the rest of you have been watching, but the Lakers seem to enjoy playing with Kobe this year. He's been leading the younger guys, and he's been patient -- so far. Can't buy the "team mates don't like him" argument anymore. You've got to change your rhetoric when the facts change. Last year was last year. This year is this year.

Peace!

I agree with Nigel.

KG probably won't be playing for Minnesota next year.

KG in a Laker uniform would be nice.

KG, Kobe, and Lamar. Could you imagine?

Wow.

Thank you AK for reminding everyone that giving Kobe his three rings is a little misleading. Kobe has never won anything on his own, neither has anyone else for that matter. Duncan has an incredible supporting cast in SA, one that Kobe would be a favorite to win the title with also. Even dominant big men like Wilt, Kareem, and Shaq never won a title until they had a solid, if not extremely good, set of players around them. Even Jordan didn’t win anything until he had a team around him, and don’t start by saying all he had was Pippen because those Bulls teams were loaded all the way around.

I think Kobe is the best player in the game hands down, but he will never win another championship until he gets more talent around him, period. And for those who feel that the Lakers are a “#2 scorer” away from being a contender again, I think you have too much confidence in this squad as they are currently established. For some incredible stroke of luck we got Artest for someone other than George and garbage we would not, I repeat NOT, be considered a championship quality team, and Artest is what I would consider a great #2 option.

I believe someone asked the question about a Lamar straight up for someone trade and salaries had to match. To be honest, I don’t think I do it for anyone who makes what he makes. I think Lamar is exceptional talent who fills the stat sheet every night. I don’t think his strengths are scoring 18-22 a night and being the go-to-guy, but try to find someone who makes what he does, switch their places and see if the Lakers get any better. The only player that I found that I might do the swap for is Rasheed Wallace (salaries are within the 25% that the CBA mandates). He is getting a bit long in the tooth but he’s a great interior defender who can shoot the rock from both inside and outside. Other than that, and I’d be hesitant to pull the trigger on that deal, I like Odom and what he brings to the table.

Jon K,

A few things

1) In quoting Andrew Z's article, you also left out the part where the GM's were asked who they'd start a franchise around and it was LeBron, TD, Shaq, with Wade and Amare getting many votes. I didn't see Kobe's name there at all. Not bashing Kobe, but it does give a lot of validation to my proposals

2) Be careful about proposing "Who would be a better Laker--Shaq, Kobe, Aquaman, Batman, or Spider-Man?" BK loves superheroes, and might be tempted... haha

3) Rest assured, though, I'm not creating an "et, tu?" moment. This is just fun, theoretical debate fodder, like you and your buddies throw around at a bar. And you even said, given the opportunity, you'd pull the trigger on LJ. But it's just throwing around arguments, creating chatter. I'm not giving "strength" to the Kobe haters. They'll be doing what they're doing either way, and don't need any validation from me.

As always, thanks for the comments, Jon. Your energy is much appreciated.

AK

How do all you Laker fans feel about a core for the team made up of Kobe, LO, and Bynum?

Obviously this year it’s not the best with LO finding his rhythm with the triangle and his new role and well, Drew is 18. But in 2-3 years, wouldn’t you feel pretty good with this as our foundation? Look at the dominant teams in the league right now. The Spurs trio of TD, Manu, and Parker is the best right now, but TD’s had his fair share of injuries and is slowing. The Suns trio of Nash, Amare, and Marion looks pretty tough, but again, you never know about Amare’s knee and how long Nash can keep up that pace. What about Miami? I know D-Wade will be tough for years to come, but we all know what’s going to happen with Shaq’s body and that A. Walker contract looks mighty painful as far as bringing in new talent. Detroit? It’ll be interesting to see Dumars give B. Wallace, Billups, and the rest of the crew the money they will demand and keep that team together. I really can’t find a group of players that I like better than our three as a core (especially with the money we’ll have in 07’ to spend on pieces). I’ll go with our guy Jon when I say I’m excited about his team’s future with the three aforementioned players we have and Phil (he will be around past this three-year contract, I guarantee it). In the meantime we get the most entertaining, electric player in b-ball to watch, enjoy it people.

Andrew Z,

I love Bynum, but he's going to take at least 3 years to develop into a force, probably 5 years before he becomes dominant.

By that time Kobe will just begin to decline in terms of athleticism.

I'm hoping we can make something happen within the next three years.

Jon,

I agree with you about Kobe's decline in athleticism, you're very right. But people did say the same about Jordan. I hate to bring the Kobe-MJ thing up at any time, but really MJ really built up his physique and changed his game as he got older (he developed a killer fade away and really didn't have as many spectacular dunks as in his younger days). I do find it odd that Mitch drafted a guy who is years away when Kobe is in his prime, but you can also say similar stuff about other teams core players. TD is probably on the decline, so is Shaq, and Nash, who keeps that team moving isn't getting any younger and PGs get old real fast.

I do agree that we need to make something happen in the next three years. It would be nice to add one more major piece (I think a lot were hoping it was Kwame...oops) in the near future. I'm of the belief that if we get to the playoffs, I wouldn't put anything past Kobe. In the playoffs there is no one I would rather have on my team and I guarantee no coach/team would want to face him.

I am one of the Laker's fan in the North East area. I have never missed any of the Lakers' games this season. I have read the blog today on trading Kobe for LJ, TD, or KG... I simply disagree with this idea. Kobe has been playing for this Lakers Co. for years since he join NBA. There is no player in this league has love LA than Kobe. Yes, he has some flawness in leadership and personal behavior, but it is tough to keep quiet when your squads do not step up. I have got some frustration with the rest of Lakers team members rather than Kobe. Kobe plays the game with his heart and soul for LA. I start giving him some respect on the game against Dallas after he got 62 pts, Phil invited him to play in the 4 quarter, but he refused.
The team suffer 5th lost consecutively because they are not on the same page. Phil needs to pull them back on the same page and they will regain the momentum.
Making any leader trade is not simple as restructure the team with other member changes. I am voting to retain Kobe in any cases.

This blog is a free public opinion, so no one is smart or stupid. It is just opinion. I feel disrespect to someone who thought they are smarter than others.

Lakers Always,

LAXfactor

Can you feel the wishful thinking just pouring out of me?

I think of all things this year, Turiaf's heart condition hurt the most, he was great in the summer and I seriously think would have had some sort of impact this year.

Hariyahu,

When Matt goes to the NFL, he is no longer "the man", but a second or third string rookie. Believe me, at USC, his chances of getting woman were much, much higher! He was the man on campus after all. In Southern California for that matter!

KB Fan:

Good point. However in 2000, we had a monster Shaq in his prime. Shaq was flat out awesome in 2000.