Birthday Wishes
It's a candle-heavy time in Lakerland. We're just two days past what would have been Wilt Chamberlain's 70th (check out Roland Lazenby's blog for some Stilt-related material), and today, folks are singing "Happy Birthday" to Kobe Bean Bryant, who turns 28. It feels like the guy has been around way too long to still be two years short of 30, but as more players start their careers at 18, we're going to have to get used to it. (Maybe we should start thinking of hoopsters like hockey players, who fairly routinely start their careers before 20 and seem to play until they're 108.)
So what do you get a guy who makes more in a year — hell, maybe a month — than all of us put together? The idea of running down to Macy's to pick out a lil' somthin' seems a kind of silly, unless you can buy veteran point guards off the rack. So assuming Kobe would even accept a gift from me after last season's MVPgate, what exactly can I offer? Material goods aren't looking like a good option. That leaves birthday wishes, and this would be mine for the former Ocho:
I wish for him one year of not being at the center of every basketball argument on the planet. A year of not being the guy compared to every other guy in the league, in terms of dominance. Of not being compared to a certain player-turned-baseballer-turned-player-turned-GM-turned-Hanes pitchman-turned-part-owner. A season where everyone focuses their attention somewhere else — 365 days of Kobe-free hoops chatter. It would be interesting to see how people would perceive the guy after 12 months of a Kobe embargo. Would old prejudices die? Would beliefs become more crystallized? Would Kobe be able to connect more effectively with fans, peers and the media?
What would happen if we could all go a year without having to declare seemingly on a daily basis where we stand on Kobe?
Of course, none of this will ever happen. We'll be debating him again tomorrow, likely today in this thread. But it would be interesting to see how that reality would play out. To become perhaps the most polarizing figure in sports takes a group effort. Kobe has done his part, so has the media. It doesn't take long to create perceptions, but changing them is often a Herculean task.
So that's what I'd like to give the guy. A crappy gift to be sure, in the sense it can't actually be delivered, but like they say — it's the thought that counts.
Right?
—BK
jj, although I'm not one of the regular posters(although I started reading the blog the beginning of last season), I'm probably one of the youngest here at 18.
Posted by: greek dude | August 23, 2006 at 05:53 PM
BK
Rare showing but nice lines you dropped. LOL
Posted by: Shady | August 23, 2006 at 06:04 PM
A very happy birthday, Kobe. I wish for you a year of growing closer to God, your wife and children, your city and your team. May God bless you abundantly!
Sonny,
Like LakerTom, I've been a Lakers fan since Wilt joined the team, and I've never looked back. It's hard for me to hate the Kings, though, because I was a big Nate "Tiny" Archibald fan when they were in Kansas City. I always thought he was better than Maravich.
I can't see the Lakers trading LO or AB for Bonzai. AB is a potentially dominating center for the future, and LO is dialed in to the triangle at this point. Yeah, Bonzi is explosive and can dominate at times, but I'm not sure how that would work in the triangle when that role is already assumed by Kobe.
I think I need Tex's book.
RespectMyAuthoritah (44)
Posted by: RespectMyAuthoritah | August 23, 2006 at 06:29 PM
Question
Is kobe getting bigger? his arms look bigger, more muscle.
Maybe his gaining muscle like he did a couple of years ago. looking at the pictures from his vegas clinic and at the pictures of his nba 07 premier; his arms look bigger than before.
Posted by: lakofan | August 23, 2006 at 07:25 PM
Kobe, You've provided some awsome memories for our family. Many happy returns and joyful moments.
Purple and Gold: The Lebanese team just beat France! How are you doing? let us know.
Posted by: Baywood | August 23, 2006 at 07:36 PM
Happy Birthday KOBE and many more. I wish for a season much like the last one with high scoring terrific action but more wins!!!!!!!!!!!!! Bring home the championship ring. You deserve it because you are the WORLD'S Best Player. Happy 28th!!!!! From Your Biggest Fan
Posted by: Kimb630 | August 23, 2006 at 07:38 PM
Happy B-day KOBE!
Posted by: Fan of the Mamba | August 23, 2006 at 08:05 PM
happy b-day k.b.,good luck with the #24 and hope we somehow keep j.j. too!i'll always remember this day cause my mom has the same b-day and all 3 of us are all virgos!
have a good year kobe
Posted by: faceuno | August 23, 2006 at 08:17 PM
Lakofan,
I was thinking the same thing. They say that pictures can add about ten pounds, but he looks like a ligit 220!
>_<
Posted by: dan the man >_< aka smushcalade | August 23, 2006 at 08:29 PM
MALIGAYANG KAARAWAN KOBE BRYANT
an MVP, a son, a RING, and more RINGS!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: rondiel | August 23, 2006 at 08:35 PM
Sometimes we use cow chips to grow not what you call green, but hay. I dare say. The best in the world.
Posted by: sonnybelfast | August 23, 2006 at 08:37 PM
Laker Tom,
The Kings offered Bonzai 36 mil over five years. He's had no better offers to my knowledge. Apparently, they didn't think he was worth more than that. Makes little sense to me.
Then again, maybe the boys (GMs) around the league know a thing or two that we don't, which could explain the scarcity of offers.
For Kings fans, it seems more to be a matter of honoring Petries judgement, which I do, explicitly.
Posted by: sonnybelfast | August 23, 2006 at 08:49 PM
Shady-
Thanks. Sorry about the light showing. As AK mentioned, the internal Kamenetzky Brothers Division of Labor has kept me off for longer periods than normal. I'll be weighing in on more as we finish the summer and get into the season.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | August 23, 2006 at 09:58 PM
BK,
It's all about quality not quanity.
Tom or Sonny,
Whats the story on Frank Gore? He's our 1st string RB and I don't know that much about him. Is there anything I should know?
>_<
Posted by: dan the man >_< aka smushcalade | August 23, 2006 at 10:15 PM
I tried to think of something original to say but for once I'm in complete agreement with AK. A veteran point guard would be the perfect present. Next to that, a little peace so the man can spend his time battling Raja Bell, Genobli, and D-Wade instead of the press and ESPN.
Oh, and how about a Christmas game without him OR Shaq?
Posted by: Jay Jay | August 23, 2006 at 10:24 PM
all this talk about al harrington... why was bonzi not even mentioned? dude was a stud in the playoffs last year for the kings. i think he would have been a better pick up for the lakers. oh well. i'm with sonnybelfast on why he didn't get much offers, if any besides the king's. adding him to an legitemate contender would have guaranteed that squad a ring next june.
Posted by: sixonezero | August 23, 2006 at 10:29 PM
Happy B-Day Kobe!
May everything go well for you!
May everyday be a happy one for you!
AK, how about you calling out the latimes (editors, reporters, writers, etc.) for their biased coverage on Kobe as a gift for Kobe.
Funny how this local paper prints all perceived negatives about Kobe, yet ingonres all positives (teamwise, community contributions, charity activities, commercial appeals, etc.) about Kobe or even the Lakers.
Posted by: gdcgukd | August 23, 2006 at 11:07 PM
hah greek dude
"im probably one of the youngest bloggers here at 18"
im 17
now i feel quazi-special ahaha
Posted by: joninjapan | August 23, 2006 at 11:29 PM
Melo strikes me to be the hip hop version of Charles Barkley. He can sure ball but I just get the feeling he may come up short on the ring thing.
We talk about players and rings, but not a one of them that's got one, got it on his own. My Kobe Bean birthday wish: 8 APG.
Posted by: Vman | August 23, 2006 at 11:48 PM
joninjapan,
I turned 18 20 days ago, so don't go around feeling too special. lol.
Posted by: greek dude | August 23, 2006 at 11:57 PM
gerry b, exhelodrvr,
thanks for catching the Python reference, i didnt think that many people would catch it haha
isn't Bonzi on the wrong side of 30? I'd hate to offer a long term contract to someone who would only be worth it for 2/3 years (a la Ben Wallace and Shaq)
Posted by: joninjapan | August 24, 2006 at 12:03 AM
BK
No prob just hope both you and AK are ready to comment on the Lakers when the season starts.
Posted by: Shady | August 24, 2006 at 12:05 AM
Xodus,
Yeah, Denver definitely ain't helping Melo's MVP candidacy. There's some bad mojo going on with that team. I was at a few of the Clips-Nugs playoff games, and in the locker room after the losses, they looked somewhere between shellshocked and miserable. Some housecleaning is clearly in order. Ruben Patterson was a good start. Obviously K-Mart needs to go (although who'll take him is another story). And I'm also not so sure about George Karl. Clashes just seem to follow him everywhere he goes.
It's not like they have nobody good besides Melo. I think Andre Miller's a very underrated PG. Camby's done a very nice job. And Nene could be good if he can stay healthy (but he hasn't in a long time, making his 6 yr/60 mil deal nothing short of insane). A change of surroudings could make J.R. Smith a great pickup. Joe Smith, another new guy, is solid and supposedly awesome in the locker room. But for now, they seem like a team that's pretty lost. Melo's stepped up, but that may not be enough.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | August 24, 2006 at 12:08 AM
Virgo oh how great it is to be one.
Posted by: casey | August 24, 2006 at 12:09 AM
greek dude
haha yeah i turn 18 in october
itl be cool being the 17year old college kid for a while tho
Posted by: joninjapan | August 24, 2006 at 12:17 AM
Nice article. I guess Stan Van Gundy finally had the knife pulled from his back.
http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/5898700
Posted by: Maleke | August 24, 2006 at 12:19 AM
Sonnybelfast
The big thing about Bonzi is that he is very inconsistent. For the amount of money that he demands he has to be consistent and thats probably the reason why most GMs dont want to pay up. It was the same reason with our current Kwame "no hands" Brown but the difference is that Kwame still has that "potential" and "upside" still surronding him as excuses. Plus he's a big guy which is a bit more rare than a 6-5 athletic SG/SF. The other problem with the Lakers not going after him right now is that we dont have a spot to rotate him in so he could get a lot of minutes. He is mostly plays the 2-3 spot and Kobe has the 2 covered while LO and Vlad will be sharing the 3-4 depending on the lineups specially if we keep Mihm. If Mihm is not the starting 5 he could either be Kwame's backup or move down to the 4 moving LO to the 3 and bringing in Vlad as LO's backup. The only way I could see Bonzi comign to L.A. is with a sign&trade where you would take Mihm/McKie for Bonzi (if he took the $7-8mil) and we could even throw in Cookie to free up some roster space. This would be our lineup.
1. Smush/William/Farmar
2. Kobe/Evans/Sasha/Bonzi(leftovers 2-3)
3. Vlad/Bonzi(leftovers 2-3)
4. LO/Turiaf/Walton
5. Kwame/Bynum/Cook
Bonzi also bring baggage as does Miles. He is also a better defender but lacks that 3pt shot threat that Vlad has and is what we need. However if Bonzi can be our defense specialty (which i doubt since he's only decent) then he could be a good guy to rotate in except he wouldnt be a starter and would get the leftovers. He wouldnt be a bad 6th man if he's willing to accept that role but I would rather save the money for the next offseason and pray that KG demands a trade to L.A. I dont want to seem like a mean guy but I want the Wolves to have a bad season (ya kinda messed up on my part) so KG finally gets fed up and decides to move to beautiful southern Cal.
Posted by: Shady | August 24, 2006 at 12:30 AM
Happy birthday Ocho! Im confident that you will have a great season and another championship ring.
You are simply the best! Keep it up!
Posted by: Lejan | August 24, 2006 at 12:40 AM
What's with the Bonzi talk? Great, he exploded in the playoffs, but so did Jerome James(that's not a very good comparison, but it'll do) and we all no how well he did last year. Don't forget, he is a 2/3, as if we don't have the best 2 guard in the world, one of the most versitile small forwards, and spent $30 million on a 3 this summer.
joninjapan,
although this has nothing to do with anything, what college are you going to?
Me=Cal poly San Luis Obispo(actually, i'm there right now taking summer classes)
Posted by: greek dude | August 24, 2006 at 01:25 AM
Shady,
Initially, I wasn't pleased with Bonzi's arrival in Sacramento last year. I was well aware of his baggage. He was an outcast with a one year contract as a King. His play last year was for a new contract this year, and it showed.
Setting a -what have you done for me lately- tone, I don't know who you watched play last year, but Bonzi put on clinics as the all-around player. And you're wrong about his perimeter shooting. He's also an absolute animal under the basket, and he's smart. He wouldn't play second fiddle to anybody, and didn't, and probably shouldn't.
He seems to give about as much respect as he recieves. Sacramento fans and teammates gave him a lot, and he reciprocated.
No, I would not want the Kings to hook him up with more than a 2 to 3 year contract, if that. Finally getting more time to plaly, Salmons could work out nicely, but even if he doesn't, KMart and Garcia, along with our rookie Douby (who we took ahead of Farmar) turned it on this summer, not to mention Ronnie Price.
Not under any circumstances would I want to see Bonzi in purple and gold. He would most definitely tip the scales for the Brokebacks.
Posted by: sonnybelfast | August 24, 2006 at 03:30 AM
Dan The Man,
I don't know that much about Gore except to say that he, along with Hicks, spelled Barlow last year. He's a fire stump from a good program who averages almost 5 yards per carry, and very seldom fumbles the ball. The Niners (Nolan and Turner) made him their primary, so hopefully, they anticipate good things from this young guy.
Check out the fantasy section of this link:
http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/411568
At any event, just in case Alex catches on fire, Gore has moved up several spots on my fantasy cheat sheet.
Absolutely, go Niners!
Go Kings!
Posted by: sonnybelfast | August 24, 2006 at 03:54 AM
Happy Birthday Kobe. You are th best player in the league. Go win the Laker a championship. The Dwade post is for the Miami blog. for the record I do not like Wade, Shaq, Zo, Riley or any other memebr of the Heat or NBA. if you are a true Laker fan you appreciate your player. Why do people Blog on this site when they are Heat fans in disguise.
P.S. appreicate the talent of the Lakers, especially a HOFer
Posted by: Anthony Carter | August 24, 2006 at 06:51 AM
Kobe some would like K.G. to be gift-wrapped to you:
http://msnbc.msn.com/id/14467468/
That would be nice, but with or without him, we all know you've taken on the responsibility of carrying us back to the championship...and to quote eminem, even if your shoulders fold up you'll never crumble.
In Kobe we Trust,
Go Lakers
Posted by: Taliq | August 24, 2006 at 07:27 AM
As mentioned before.
Bonzi = not that good.
Sure he had a spectacular year end. But you think there's a reason he's not getting any more offers?
The Kings were willing to take him, probably, as you say because of his relation with Artest. His familiarity with the team gives them more comfort that he will continue to perform for them. But outside of that?
What's happened now? Bonzi can't secure a long term deal and his value keeps on-a-droppin'. Why do you think that is? Every GM in the league's oversight? Or probable cause?
Poor sap. What a dumb guy to expect more than he's worth. And he's not ugly, but I wouldn't say he's good looking. Sorry sonny.
Posted by: S.Tan | August 24, 2006 at 08:17 AM
Lakerfaze,
I feel you on that. I've been watching the TEAM USA games and Melo has definitely the best player for the USA. He's the captain now that Kobe (the real captain) sits out for now and he's showing why. I swear Im not just saying this now that Melo is having a break out basketball period, but I alwasy said from the very beginning that Melo was the best player from the draft 3 years ago. He's showing the world what i've know for like 4 years now. Oh and did the best basketball player in the world just said in an interview that melo is the toughest player to guard? Umm yes he did!
GO TEAM USA and GO LAKERS...I cant wait for the damn season to start already I feel like a crackhead in need on that rock!
Posted by: Blaze1bx | August 24, 2006 at 08:30 AM
Sorry it's a late, but Happy B-Day Kobe!!!
Posted by: lakersfan "the wolf" | August 24, 2006 at 08:40 AM
PHIL JACKSON:
"Jackson described Chamberlain as "a gentle man for all the size and power that he possessed, but had a great deal of pride in his accomplishments. I think Alex Hannum and Bill Sharman reached him as no other coaches had ever done in the NBA — interestingly they were also teammates at USC and ran the [triangle] offense that gave him a lot of options."
I knew it was only a matter of time before someone brought the triangle up concerning Chamberlain. LOL!
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | August 24, 2006 at 09:18 AM
Shady,
I agree with your assessment as to why the lakers didnt go after bonzi, basically being that he plays the 3 and we already have a glut at that position. and the only reason we went after harrington instead was because he has the ability to fill in at the four as well as being younger and without all the baggage. the one thing that i do disagree is your trade proposal. you said from the start that we had too many threes, yet in your scenario you didnt trade any of our threes but instead got ride of mihm (a 5 or 4), mckie (a 2 or 1) and possibly cook (a 4).
sonny,
i honestly think you secretly love kobe and the only reason you're bashing on him is to try to lower his worth in these circles. and all this talk about trading him, i think you want him to be traded to the lakers. and all the praise for bonzi and how the lakers should pick him up. are you trying to set up a possible trade between the kings and lakers where bonzi is signed and traded as part of a package to get kobe? just seems like thats what you're getting at
Posted by: taka | August 24, 2006 at 09:40 AM
Jayjay,
Speaking of the need of a veteran PG, the Nets has recently invited Jay Williams formerly from Duke (who got into serious accident and got rehab.) to play again during the preseason. So in effect, Nets will have premier PGs like: Kidd, Eddie House and probably, Jay Williams. Compare that with the Lakers starting from our current roster: Smush, Sasha, Shammond and Farmar.
I don't know whether you're watching the FIBA games. I commented in my previous posts that in those two games of Team USA against Slovenia and Italy, I saw a lot PG or SG who are fast, reliable shooters who could fill the Lakers need.
Jayjay, you should also consider that we are making these kind of comments cuz' we've not seen the real potentials of our new acquisitions. Whatever it is, it's always advisable to have a contingency plan or grand strategy to keep the Lakers roster competitive throughout the season and very important to COMMUNICATE or at least UPDATE the Laker fans now that there is a blog.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | August 24, 2006 at 09:45 AM
Edwin Gueco,
"Nets will have premier PGs like: Kidd, Eddie House and probably, Jay Williams"
Um, I think it's a bit of a stretch to call Eddie House and Jay Williams "premier" point guards. Now J-Kidd, that's another story.
I actually wanted the LAkers to try out J Williams, but obviously if so many teams are passing on him he must not be up to snuff. Didn't they draft Marcus Williams also? I guess Eddie House really isn't a PG.
I can't believe I'm disecting the Nets PG situation, I need the season to start...pronto.
Posted by: Andrew Z | August 24, 2006 at 10:04 AM
QUESTION FOR THE BLOG (at the end of this post)
First, Edwin -
Couldn't agree more - I've been lobbying for a PG upgrade since BEFORE we let D-Fish get away to the Jazz. We need someone who:
1) can play D on small fast guards like Nash, Parker, Terry, etc
2) is an outside shooting threat so the opposing PG can't always double Kobe
3) has some experience in or can pick up easily the basics of Phil's triangle
The only two that I can spot are T-Lue (who is underused by Atlanta and by the way led all NBA guards in 3-pt percentage last year) and the Glove (who despite chemistry problems on his last year here is still unsigned by Miami).
WHO do you (or the rest of the bloggers) see as a possibility???
Posted by: Jay Jay | August 24, 2006 at 10:05 AM
I'm a 22 year old nursing student, and yes I am a girl lol. Here's a little trivia, I actually somewhat celebrated my birthday in the blog, and wished for a victory (though it was pointed out to me that I should have wished for KG to LA instead, lol). When the blog book gets published, will that be included? haha, jk...well at the very least, where's the "men of the blog" calendar, AK and BK? haha.
Unlike Xodus though, I'm not sure I have a large and varied knowledge of the game lol.
Out of topic but what are the chances that we get all 41 home games as a live blog thingy...cause as I recall the live blog record had an astounding winning percentage tied to it lol.
Posted by: Faith | August 24, 2006 at 10:12 AM
Here's an interesting perspective of the ROY, betting wise. http://www.theonlinewire.com/articleView.aspx?ID=1375
Apparently it does not look good for Jordan Farmar:
" Jordan Farmer of the LA Lakers is a possible long shot +2500.
He is expected to compete for playing time and if he gets it, he sure has a great finisher for his playmaking, in Kobe Bryant. Plus nobody sneaks under the radar in LA. Just wearing the Lakers uniform gives one a strong advantage in garnering the publicity needed for the award."
Posted by: Faith | August 24, 2006 at 10:16 AM
Lakers vs. Heat Finals 2006-2007
Kobe vs. Shaq!
If only dreams can come true
Posted by: KevinfromCali | August 24, 2006 at 10:16 AM
Greek Dude
I'm going to Trinity Western University in Vancouver BC. from what I've heard their sports program is amongst, if not, the top atheletic programs in Canada
not that thats significant or anything
Posted by: joninjapan | August 24, 2006 at 10:32 AM
greek dude
i agree with you about the Bonzi- jerome james similarity. also, isnt bonzi on the wrong side of 30?
Posted by: joninjapan | August 24, 2006 at 10:33 AM
The lakers should invite D. Wagner to training camp. I like his game even tho he's kind of on the small side.
I think our roster is set for next year. we will be much improved compare to last year when Cook was our starting PF.
Posted by: The Lamar Show | August 24, 2006 at 10:34 AM
Edwin...FIBA point guards usually have the same problem that our PGs currently have...lack of 3 point range and lack of physical defense. i think Smush cant be faulted on his straight line speed and im not sure any international guards iv seen play can do a better job than he does, especially if he improves during the offseason.
Posted by: Caesar | August 24, 2006 at 10:46 AM
Happy birthday to Kobe! Thanks for all the great memories so far and here's to more championships to come!
P.S. Congrats to Kobe's dad and the rest of the LA Sparks as they head into the WNBA Western Conference Finals. This is Jellybean's first year coaching in the WNBA and his team had the second-best record in the league, and best in the West. Go Sparks!
Posted by: greekgoddess | August 24, 2006 at 10:58 AM
Happy Birthday Kolby,
Officially on the downside, (and prolly the "down low", too).
One happy day so we will forget that you single handedly (well, along with the Bussboy and Cupcake) brought the Fakers from Threepeaters to lottery, to 7th seeded, first-round clowns.
As you chew or your lip and make that annoying lizard squint ("Rasha Bell?, I don't know this kid...") through the flattering mist of self absorbtion, we see but a numbing soul-sadness and tenebrous evil.
"Ohhhhhh, Kobe is the greatest ever!! We're gonna be the 2nd seed.... blah, blah, blah....
Oh, lets trade Cook and McKie for KG....Ohhh...Fartmar is the next Jason Kidd...."
Give me a break!! Shaq wears the Ring. Kolby is Gollum! D-Wade and LaBron are the new face of the NBA, Kolby is yesterday's (bad) news.
Oh well....there's always the 2007 lottery or maybe that Smush for Carmello trade the Nuggets are salivating over...
GOOD NIGHT NOW ....
Brother of The Truth!!!
Posted by: shag | August 24, 2006 at 11:24 AM