pity. at least he got a good payday out of it. Hope everything goes well for Devean (except when they play the Lakers)

Lakers are getting the championship this year. I like this part of the year, when we dont see and hear from Kobe until training camp. He might not be able to use one leg, but I bet he his trianing how to play bball with just one leg and adding extra ridiculous moves to his game. Come this year, the Kobe lakers, no, I meant the LA Lakers will be one of the most deadly teams in the west. We have defensive players, we have three point threat, we got solid young players, we got Lamar (unique player in the league) playing a style no team can defend, you have teams comin up with how to play kobe, never going to happen. This season will show its not better to buy players to win championship (05-06 heat) but building a team is worth it, our new lakers, this is when Kobe's era really begins.

Can't wait for this season to kick off.

i read somewhere where our KOBESTER was on his way to hang out with the FIBA players and lend some veteran leadership/support..You right though, he's not sleeping.Kobe, never that!

Losing George could potentially hurt the D, but I can understand not wanting to pay him that money. He's been inconsistent.

Devean is just another example of unmet potenetial. Hope he does well in Dallas, but he wasn't really helping us here.

I wish we could have used him in a sign and trade deal, but, it was good having him on our team and I appreciate what he did during the championship years, he has played the same since he was a rookie and has not improved his game one bit. he would not have made a big impact on the team if he stayed.

CBuck,

It's tv so it's got to be a soap opera. And yeah everyone thought the story was dead but now with Shaq sporting a new bling the media get's a chance to rekindle the beef....hey shaq kobe said he's not impressed with ya ring, dat dwade carried u....hey kobe, shaq said maybe if u hadn't snitched on him you'd have a 4th ring too...hey shaq, kobe said your mama...

LoL, u kno the deal, so y stress it.

F the Media, (umm except for AK/BK...hmm memories of AK/BK saying Kobe quit in game 7 are come storming back...umm yea including AK/BK )

Go Lakers

Look, there is not a single team in the league that is not beatable. The two teams that was in the finals, we can definetly beat them, even in a seven game series. The league wasn't like the past were you can pick several teams and say definetly this are going to be the top echelon of the teams in the league, nowadays you can pick the worst five teams in the league easily. What we have in the lakers are two players on the same team that are potential hard to match up, to stop both players you need to double team them when they are in attack mode. If you can name 5 teams were you have to double team their top two players consisently tell me.

If you can give me the best coaches in the league and Phil Jackson isn't in the top five, tell me. If you can tell me who has the best player in the league, just tell me. In this time of the year every team are opptimistic since the added and subtracted and hopefully the move they make will pay off at the end. I really don't see a team that has done that this offseason. For example, when Rasheed went to the pistons (even if it was done the second half of the season), people are that time knew the pistons were for real. Those are the kind of moves that drastically change a team immediately.

In asserting this season coming up, everyone has a chance to do damage, hoping that their moves will get them to the promise land. The lakers did their homework this season by adding and subtracting with critical thinking. They did not just make moves for the sake of them making moves (Hornets and Bulls). We got two solid players in Vlad and Evans, and they will immediately make impactful marks on the team. If you think the lakers don't have a chance to win this year, you must be joking. Let it be known, this lakers can win it all this year, believe in Phil and Kobe.

Chris Wilcox is supposed to sign with Sonics with at $3.6M only for one year, then trade him again before he becomes a free agent in '07, but up to now everything is left hanging and waiting for any offers that's according to insidehoops.com. Isn't it we were looking for players to guard PFs like Duncan, Nowitski, Diaw, Carmelo and KG. We could have used Wilcox ht. at 6'10" in addition of Vlad and LO. We could have offered Sonics: Luke & Sasha or Cook & Smush. This is a good replacement for D. George. It is not too late to make that offer.

Thanks for the memories Devean, but you're not welcome here anymore. Anyways, I recollect the day that the Lakers overcame that huge, monstrous deficit to come back and win it.. against the same Mavs. I also recall that at the end of that game Devean threw the ball the length of the court toward the Mavs bench. How ironic. It just shows us that the NBA is all about business and money, perhaps a few abnomalities such as a Karl Malone with being exceptions, and that team loyalty isn't such a factor. To the older guys, was that always the case even back in the 60's? I just hope the Dodgers syndrome doesn't take effect and players that used to be here become all-stars elsewhere. Is it October yet??

D. George - C-YA! Outside of knowing his place in our system, no lost. Went for the money in Dallas, huh? Glad someone took the bait, now we've got some wiggle room. Mitch step up, do something that makes us feel good! Make something happen! Faze 1 -Laker 4 life!

Avery can now look forward to an additonal 20% in turnovers, and lots of I didn't foul him faces.

Devean was a good dude - but more times than not, he was a liabilty.

Good luck with this one Dallas.

we will miss you devean

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dd1Q2Mg9TPE&search=devean%20george%20

haha

Go Lakers...

wow,

I have no problem with you saying that the Lakers could compete with and (maybe) beat any team in a playoff series, it's just that over the course of 82 games I think there are a lot more teams out there that are better. That being said, let's work on getting in the playoffs before we start screaming ring.

wow said: "Look, there is not a single team in the league that is not beatable. The two teams that was in the finals, we can definetly beat them, even in a seven game series."

With all due respect wow, i have to disagree. I do agree that anyone is beatable at any given time, but (and I hate saying this), I think the team to beat is still San Antonio... Now I know you're screaming HELL NO, but think about it - San Antonio hasn't gotten worse, they've gotten better. They have an eye for talent and always find people to complement their system. When we scour Europe for a player, he usually sucks, when they do, he's gold (almost every time). Most of all, they were hurt last year and nearly beat Dallas if it weren't for Ginobli's (an amazing player btw, even if he is the flop king) dumb and ill timed foul of Dirk Diggler. Even hurt, I KNOW they would've crushed Miami. Believe me, I was vehemently rooting against Miami; because I didn't want Shaq to get another ring and def not D-Wade to get one so soon. I became the biggest Dallas rooter on the planent and I was pissed when they imploded. Not that the refs weren't involved but they shouldn't have put themselves in that position. Anywho... I digress. San Antonio is a beast. Healthy, they are the team to beat. Less than healthy, still crazily, scarily formidible. I'm a die hard Laker/Kobe fan for life and I love some of our improvements, but San Antonio is head an shoulders above a lot of teams imo.

lol TrueLakerFan. That Devean George video was hilarious

That's funny #4!!!!

good luck to D GEORGE. i feel that VLAD RAD is an helluva upgrade from him atleast in the offensive end. as for D GEORGE'S defense...it really is overrated. as for the championship...every team has a chance at it come november. integrating our new players into the triangle will take some time. allstar break would be a great time to start catching fire and gain some momentum heading in to the playoffs. fortunately, the main guys in the roster (excluding kobe) will have that one year of experience in the offense plus that heartbreaking loss to the suns in the playoffs giving them more of that much needed experience to help them with MENTAL FORTITUDE. (MIKE T) all in all i like the moves that we made in the offseason. barring any major injuries, we will make it deep in to the playoffs this year.

sixonezero said: "as for the championship...every team has a chance at it come november."

do you really think we can be San Antonio? I mean I'm as die hard as the next, but come on!!! Duncan, Parker, Ginobli, Bowen, Finley, Van Exel, Horry, Barry, plus their off season upgrades... not so sure we can beat them in a 7 games series. most teams will struggle against them, let alone us.

Been away from the blog a day or 2 - real life intrudes...and so much is happening.

Anyhow I don't think we need to worry about Devean's departure meaning we lose D at the 3 spot. LeBron and T-Mac aren't our real problem. To go anywhere near even a shot at the championship, we have to get by Phoenix, Dallas, and San Antone. And other than Marion (who plays a lot of 4 for them anyhow and is well handled by Lamar at either spot) the 3 slot is not the biggest threat from those teams.

Where we REALLY need some D is at the 1 spot. Can you say MVP Nash, Tony Parker, and Jason Terry? We MUST do better than Smush, Shammond, and an as-yet-too-inexperienced Farmar at the point if we're going to seriously contend with those three and go past the second round this year.

marc-

i was referring to the optimism that every team has in the beginning of the season. thats why my explanation for the lakers being gauged at allstar break to see how their progress is. i understand how good the spurs are, by the way. but out of all the guys you mentioned on the spurs roster, half of those guys are in the twilight of their careers. just as much as the lakers have to wish for their guys being healthy all year, the spurs could be hobbled at the right time. nobody called the mavs to go to the finals last year. miami as well. everybody thought it was going to be spurs and detroit. my point is we can sit here and compare how good our team is to other teams on paper. but i do believe that just as any team that has kobe bryant on it has a chance to go to the championship.

LakerTom,

Ever saw the Origin of the World at Musee d'Orsay?

I wished we could have gotten someone in a sign and trade with Devean and another Lakers player packaged together, but if all Devean could get was a one year $2 million deal, then that tells me that there was not too much interest in him from other teams to begin with.

deavon george reminds me of that video game donkey kong on nintendo

I'm probably in the minority here, but I think that Devean was worth 2.1 million a year for two years. If that was the price for keeping him then I think we should have found a way to do it.

ESPN continues to show their HATE for Kobe, Kobe cannot even go watch a practice game without them saying something negative about Kobe. This is part of an insider report:

LAS VEGAS -- Kobe Bryant's choice of pronouns was somewhat revealing Tuesday as he made his first appearance with Team USA.
He didn't sound like a member of the team, even though he technically still is one.

Bryant watched from the fifth row of the stands as the American team played its first scrimmage against another national team, looking especially sharp defensively in defeating Puerto Rico 116-82 behind 23 points from Carmelo Anthony and 20 from LeBron James.
For most of the game, Bryant was seated with team director Jerry Colangelo and agent Rob Pelinka, and he did not interact with the players on the bench during the game, in the locker room prior to tipoff, or on the court following the final buzzer.

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/insider/columns/story?columnist=sheridan_chris&id=2536800&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fnba%2finsider%2fcolumns%2fstory%3fcolumnist%3dsheridan_chris%26id%3d2536800
-------

Ok is this guy there all the time? Does he know what goes on with him NOT around? It is always a negative with ESPN concerning Kobe is just plain ridiculous.

------

And this is a more positive note to Kobe's visit:

KOBE SHOWS SUPPORT

L.A. Lakers star Kobe Bryant showed up today to support his USA teammates. Bryant, who is unable to participate this summer due to having minor surgery on his knee, spoke with the media following the game and said that he will not be travelling with the team when it heads to Asia, but rather will stay home to rehabilitate his injured knee.

"I'll be (at home) doing my therapy and rehab, but I'll be talking with the guys and communicating with them and wishing them all the best."

USA Basketball Men's Senior National Team Managing Director Jerry Colangelo clarified that Bryant could be present in Japan with the team, but that it's uncertain at this time.

"Understand one thing regarding the trip," Colangelo said. "Kobe may be over there for a period of time; That's still to be determined. He's got some commitments: Nike would like him to be there for a period of time. I'm sure we'll see him; I'm not quite sure if he knows at this point when that's going to be, but probably in Japan."

And how did Bryant think his teammates played today, in preparation for that trip to Japan?

"They looked wonderful," he said. They're all just playing well together and doing their thing defensively. I think defensively is really an area of emphasis. Guys are getting after it, creating turnover situations and easy opportunities.

"I think the waves with which they play is something that's amazing and it's fun to watch. They come at you in waves and it's non-stop -- the pressure that they put on full-court; quick hands, quick feet that they have one through five out there on the floor. Everybody's extremely quick and athletic and physically gifted."

http://www.nba.com/usabasketball/blog.html

----
But I guess ESPN doesn't see anything but negative. It seems that it hurts them, that eventhough Kobe is not on the team and that they promote their two jewels like no end. Kobe is still the main guy.

Like always Kobe is always in a no win situation with the media, especially ESPN.

Totally agree with you there Lakofan!

BSPN strikes again!

Good that D.GEROGE is gone. Bad that we did not got anything back. wtf

Lakerfan, you should email those pics/links to the writer of that biased, ignorant article. Kobe hate knows no bounds.

can anyone please copy/paste the espn INSIDER article on kobe supposedly "not interacting with the team"

thanks.

lakofan,

I helped a sista out and emailed him too.

Am I old school or what here ? 4.2 mil for 2 years ??? Thats nothing for a vet with tri-angle experience !!! Smart move for the Mavs !

Yea Faith I saw that and I guess its possible but who to trade....

I really think we could use Al Harrington is someone that could definetly help out the Lakers. The Hawks dont really have a good C and would be losing a F so here is what I propose.
LAKERS(GET): Al Harington
HAWKS(GET): Mihm,Cook,and Walton
You could also take out Walton and put in McKie if the Hawks dont want to many big men but then again they dont really have any great big men other than Harrington. They could benefit from these guys and their "vet" experience. We would then clear out 3 spots on our rosters and if the trade goes through then we would have freed up 1-2 spots on our 15 man roster. This way we could keep one of our potential future Laker players. Which would benefit the Laker future since we open up the spot from George and the 3 players we would have to trade to balance out salaries. This means 3-4 spot are available for roster space since Mihm,Cook,Walton were in Phil's constant rotation while Mckie was on the inactive list. If you check out the Lakers roster at the NBA website you will notice that they have 20 players on their roster which we cant have so some will have to be released if there is no trade. If anything I think we could just buyout McKie's contract and drop guys like Wafer and Pinnock. These are my 15 with the current players.
Kwame Brown
Kobe Bryant
Andrew Bynum
Brian Cook
Maurice Evans
Aaron McKie
Chris Mihm
Lamar Odom
Smush Parker
Vladimir Radmanovic
Ronny Turiaf
Sasha Vujacic
Luke Walton
Shammond Williams
?????????????
We could let JJ and Green walk off into FA and cut Pinnock. The last guy on my 15 man roster is a bit of a tossup but our lineups remain the same as last season with just Vlad in the rotation and George out of it. The difference is the chemistry and hopefully the experience that will make this squad a 50+ win season. Getting Harrington would probably gurantee us a 50+ win season and we would be a more serious contender in the West.

Actually, I think if Stoudamire had been healthy last year, Phoenix would have won. I'll be curious to see how the season goes, but I'm far from ready to hand it to San Antonio. I don't think they score enough. They'll need someone other than Duncan and Parker to hit shots.

It's business. ESPN markets Wade & James as the good guys and Kobe as the bad guy.

Example. ESPN has been hyping Danica Patrick for the last year, despite no wins or even close calls this year. The other day, she threw what amounted to a 5-year old's temper tantrum, stamping her feet and kicking over things. I have seen this video ONCE on ESPN since Sunday.

Do think they might have found time to play a video of Kobe acting like a spoiled brat more than a handful of times over the course of three days? If you're down with the E, they take care of you. If not, it's open season.

Elyse,

Well said....also just to play devil's advocate. Tbe pics posted on this board of kobe only show him interacting with one player, carmelo anthony. So the writer was mostly right in saying kobe didn't chill with the rest of the team.

I love kobe but not for who he is off the court...simply because i dnt know who he is off the court...all i know is who he is on the court and that is enough for me. Frankly I'd rather see him sit home and rehab the knee also. Half the world hates kobe and I think it's about time he and his fans say F*** that half. I think kobe would be better off if he stoped trying hard to please everyone and rather direct all his energy into the one thing he's always wanted....to be the G.O.A.T.

Or in another man's word...it's about time you ditched the force and embrace the dark side Kobe. The jedi would have you believe that a quest for absolute power, ambition, are bad and you should work for the good of the team. And who is the team, the Jedi...they want that power just as you do and they're only trying to bring you down Kobe...so say F*** the media, F*** the haters, and embrace the dark side...it's the only way you can be all you want to be...you know it has been said the dark side leads to unbelievable powers such as winning 4 rings with crappy teammates that won't start on any other team in the league...making haters choke....having the media suck up to you for fear of losing they're paycheck if the hottest ticket in town won't give them exclusives....embrace the dark side kobe...listen to the mamba within: http://www.blacksportsonline.com/rlkobe.html

PAST, PRESENT, & FUTURE

I stopped by a Music, Movie and Video Game Exchange Store after work yesterday to see what movies they had available for purchase. To my surprise, someone had exchanged copies of the NBA Championship DVD Collections for the 1999-2000 and 2001-2002 NBA Seasons. I’ve heard about these DVD’s, however, I have never seen one personally. If you haven’t seen a copy of these two in particular, or if it has been a while since you’ve viewed them, I recommend that you find a copy and watch them BEFORE the upcoming season. I was partially surprised, as well as, reminded of a few things concerning the Lakers as I watched both of these last night.

First, I was partially surprised by the commentary and interviews which happened behind the scenes. I wish it would be possible to hold a viewing of all 3 DVD’s from the Lakers 3-Peat, and invite all of the people which were a part of team during that time. After watching all 3 in their entirety, I would then like to conduct a forum to discuss them. My first question would be…Do you recall making those statements? My second question would be…Were you being honest when you made those statements?

The reason why I would ask those questions…and please forgive me for rehashing old topics…is because IF you can remember making those statements, and you were being honest at the time you made them….How do you explain your current positions and everything that transpired since those 3 seasons? I don’t want to spend this whole post talking about the DVD’s. In fact, I could probably dedicate several posts to each one. Instead, I want to encourage each of you which visit this web-blog to go out and get a copy and watch them. I would like to just mention a few things that I saw or heard while watching them. In one scene Shaq was literally carrying Kobe on his back as he walked down the hall-way during the Finals. In another scene, Shaq and Kobe are having a short moment of reflection where Shaq called Kobe the best ever and Kobe returned the sentiment with calling Shaq the most dominant ever. In yet another scene (actually 2 different years) Magic is scene taking a picture with both Shaq and Kobe and Magic stated that they were heading towards a dynasty which could last for possibly 10 years straight. Then there was one real surprising commentary which included several of the coaching staff and Brian Shaw speaking on the evolution of Kobe Bryant. In that commentary, Kobe is compared to Michael Jordan as well as praised for finally realizing how to maximize his talent while remaining a part of the team concept. Then, quite possibly the most surprising commentary was by Phil Jackson in which he recounts a conversation he had with Kobe in reference to him being potentially un-coachable. He states that he asked kobe if he thought he was uncoachable. Kobe responded (he states) that he was definitely uncoachable as well as stubborn. Phil then smiled and compared that same attitude to that of Michael Jordan and stated that that is the single most comparable attribute the two share. There are other scenes of game highlights in which Kobe is scene doing some the exact same plays that D-Wade did this season. It’s amazing how much you forget until you watch the history. In retro-spect, it really helps to keep things in perspective as to what is currently happening right now.

Now that I’ve taken a moment to reflect on the past, I would like to talk about the present. First, let me say a few parting words about Mr. George as he parts ways with the Lakers organization. Devean, it was really a treat having on as a part of this team. Although, their were some which criticized you at times because of your inconsistent production, I always like your attitude. You were a true professional in LA and I wish you all the best. As you part, I feel the same way about you as I did Rick Fox, Robert Horry and even little Ty Lue……You may not have played the major roles of Shaquille or Kobe, but your part was necessary and in your own way, you helped the Lakers achieve something special. Once, again, congratulations on your new opportunity and I wish you all the best. After watching the DVD from the 3rd championship season, the first question that came to mind was, “Why again, aren’t Kobe, Shaq and Phil still together?” Seriously, after watching the 3rd installment, I can see no reason why they weren’t able to remain just as dominant a “combo”. In fact, currently, the same way in which Dwayne Wade, Shaq and Pat Riley seem to coexist right, looks very similar to the way Kobe, Shaq and Phil were back then. However, things do change, (which I hope people remember just in case they one day change in Miami), yet the GAME must continue to be played.

Now, I would like to take a few minutes to talk about the future. Devean George is the last link (I believe) to the past for this Lakers team (Kobe and Phil not included). I think it is fitting that they have reached this new beginning. I must admit that after watching both of those DVD’s last night, I had a very strange feeling come over me as it relates to the Lakers right now. It was a feeling of excitement, mixed with anticipation. I realize many will laugh at the notion I am about to make, but I honestly feel that the Lakers are heading in the direction of another championship. I am not talking about 2 or 3 years from now. I am suggesting that they may challenge for the title this upcoming season. Call it a hunch or wishful thinking; I just simply have a really good feeling about the near future for this team. Listening to the commentary as they talked during the summer and into that first season, it could be seen that they were committed to the same goal that year. They were up to the challenge despite having to deal with an uncomfortable learning curve. The pre-season that year was horrific for the Lakers, plus, they started that season with Kobe on the sidelines for 8 weeks. Yet, they ended that season with 67 wins including 3 major winning streaks (1 starting at the beginning of the season.). One commentary that struck me was during the playoffs. It was stated that the Lakers appeared invincible at times because as they moved the basketball around to find the open man, they were virtually impossible to guard. In one sequence the ball touched all 5 players including Kobe passing up on an open 3 pointer….to find a better shot at the basket. What made them so tough was their understanding of team and working off of double teams and ball-movement. In many ways, what they were able to do those 3 years in being able to work the ball around and find the best shots, can be done this next season.

Imagine a sequence in which the Lakers come down the court with Smush Parker, Kobe Bryant, Lamar Odom, Vlade Radmanovic, and Kwame Brown. Lamar runs the point and passes the ball to Kwame in the post. Kwame receives the trap and passes out to Smush, who is in the corner. The defense quickly responds by running out at him so he passes over to Lamar who is still at the top. Lamar then kicks the ball to the weak side where Kobe is sitting on the other post. Kobe receives a double team and passes back out to Vlade who is left open because of all the movement. Vlade sinks the triple….and the opposing team is left wondering what they can do to defend this team.

You Laker lovers are dreamers. This ruined-by-Kobe franchise will go maybe 39-43. Kobe is the most selfish player in B-ball history!!

Kinda late chiming in on this, but C Buck's right. I'm done with Lakers/Heat on Christmas...although the Lakers white and Heat red jerseys accentuate the theme pretty well.

Let's try some Cleveland/Miami, D Stern!!

//charles

dave shaugnessy- 39-43

another sad, jealous laker/kobe hater trying to make a name for himself on the famous laker blog. deep down you find yourself getting on the lakers blog because you like the team. in fact, love the team. especially kobe. we all see right through it. you just want acceptance from everyone...so next time go about it in a more constructive manner instead of pouting like a little 5 year old girl who didnt get a pony for her birthday.

Shaq

How is that possible. 10TH. Who else is stacked at every possion besides us??????????????

Haha, Dave Shaughngessy, showing up as shaq....how childish are you?

Next hater please.

Shady,

Are you sure you like an expensive and an oldie Mckie than a rookie but active J. Pinnock? Have you seen Danilo played, you might want to wait for the preseason game before cutting them?

I know I'm writing a novel, not a blog. That's why nobody reads it. You just read pages 334-339.

I have a problem being clear and concise.

JJ (my namesake) -

The only problem with your scenario at the end of that lonnnnng post is that the defense will not run at Smush because he can't shoot accurately from the corner (or anywhere). Until we get one capable point guard instead of six wannabes, we are a 6-to-8 team at best in the west. Get us a real PG (or wait a year til Farmar is ready), and we're in the top 4. Truth!

Jay Jay

FELLOW LAKER bloggers do not even concede dignifying any negativety posted here by the Haters -- we all know ignorance is bliss.

moving right along -- I don't see us trading anyone until there has been an evaluation of what we are truly working with and by the time camp reconvenes, the coaches will have a better feel for what we need to address any of our pressing needs.

I am prepared to wait and see but hell, don't have a choice -- camp doesnt open for another 60 some odd days hopefully the fellas are doing whatever is necessary to better their games on an individual level.

Faith,
"What's it about the Lakers that makes these adequate players into name players?"

Winning championships/playing in finals does that, because they get so much more exposure. As does being a member of one of the premier (from a publicity standpoint) organizations in the league. And having teammates like Shaq and Kobe makes mediocre players look better, because Shaq and Kobe absorb so much of the opponents' defensive pressure. But winning titles is the single biggest item. Although I don't know that Rush or Fisher should be considered "name players."

I was a little disappointed with the Christmas Day match-up again,

then I thought about the Shaq v. Bynum match-up! Do you guys remember that! That was the single most amazing moment of the season for me. Everyone kind of expected Bynum to get smashed if he was put against Shaq, but when the 18 year old actually got up p____d off and dunked on Shaq, I loved it. Anyway, maybe it will be a good test for the Lakers where they can measure themselves.

Ken.

"You Laker lovers are dreamers. This ruined-by-Kobe franchise will go maybe 39-43. Kobe is the most selfish player in B-ball history!!"

i really don't understand why people still say kobe ruined the lakers and is a selfish player and yet say the total opposite of shaq. as much as people like to say kobe was only good because he had shaq, well you can look at how he's dominated without him to see that that's false. how about we put it this way. can shaq be effective without an imposing wing player? i mean he did have penny, kobe and now wade to help him out throughout his career. he's never had to do it himself. and if you'll recall when kobe and shaq were in their first couple of years together before kobe developed they were a mediocre team. now if you want to talk about selfish players. shaq demanding 30 mil a year from the lakers? calling out the owner of the team (his f**king) boss during a game and asking if he was going to pay him now. shaq wasn't backing down from his demand of 30 mil and that's the only reason the lakers had to get rid of him. they knew that if they shelled out 30 mil a year to shaq and maxed out kobe they wouldn't have anything left to put around them. and it would seriously screw them in the future. now shaq comes out looking rosy because he embraces wade and signs a contract at 20 mil. i think he just finally realized that he can't do it himself and needs wade and other players around him so he was willing to take a pay cut. what a freaking hypocrit. and if you'll recall from that summer... kobe didnt really say anything about the matter, only that he was weighin his options of signing elsewhere while shaq was ripping into the organization, kobe and everyone inbetween. he's continued to rip the laker organization as well as kobe while kobe has taken the high road and kept his mouth shut. he completely dissed phil by saying riley was the best coach hes ever had even though phil completely backed him throughout his time in la and made him great. without phil shaq never wins a championship. and yet after all that there is never any negative news about shaq. thats bull