Because the Western Conference wasn't stacked already
There must be Celtics fans tossing themselves off buildings tonight. In any event, the already mammoth Western Conference got a luxurious infusion of star power in tonight's draft lottery, when the Blazers snagged the first pick, followed by Seattle at number two. That means in one form or another, Greg Oden and Kevin Durant are about to make the Pacific Northwest about much more than rain, lush green space, and concern for global warming. About the only thing that kept the E.C. from risking permanent fiefdom (at least as measured by number of quality teams) was Atlanta sneaking up a spot to number three, robbing Phoenix of the opportunity to steal their pick and beef up an already quality squad.
At this point, it's fair to say the Western Conference could get very Lord of the Flies in '07-'08. Not that Portland and Seattle are suddenly going to morph into title contenders, but the Blazers were a pretty good bad team last year, have a ton of potential, and now have the flexibility to move Zach Randolph and get even better. Or keep him and figure out how to work a massive and athletic frontcourt with Oden, Randolph, LaMarcus Aldridge. Or swap picks with the Sonics and take Durant, who fits a little better, in theory. Seattle now has insurance if Rashard Lewis leaves and options if he stays.
Go down the line. Dallas will be good next year, as will Phoenix, San Antonio, Utah, and Houston (barring major injuries). Considering how they finished, a full season with A.I. makes Denver dangerous, which also describes a talented, improving Golden State team when Baron Davis is healthy. NO/OKC could be better, we've already talked about Seattle and Portland, and the Clippers are at worst mediocre, and could be better depending on how the offseason goes. Memphis has the cap room to get better. Not necessarily good, but they'll have a high pick and the potential to not be crappy. Even Sacramento, as big a mess as they are, still had a crack at a playoff spot last year.
If I'm K.G., I'm checking for real estate outside of Minnesota ASAP. You can make an argument that they'll be the worst team in the conference heading into next year. Not sure I buy it, but that I could reasonably defend that position kind of proves my point. There likely won't be a lot of gimmies next season on this side of the Mississippi.
Work those phones, Mitch.
BK
B$
“Shaq yelling "PAY ME!" to the owner in the stands during a game is pretty bad politics if you ask me. Plus, he wanted more money than he took to play in Miami. So I think you saying that Kobe ran Shaq out of town is pretty thoughtless.”
wassup money!? welcome to the blog.
if this is true, it was stupid of the Big Lazy if [emphasis on “if”] it was true. kobe running shaq out of town is not thoughtless……..look at the kobe-lover’s reaction when I mention it? everyone gets up in arms.
“I personally think we could get tons of talent on this team if we did trade Kobe. It's not going to happen though.”
I think we could get a lot of young promising players too (no up-and-coming stars like LBJ or Wade), but I want kobe to suffer the humiliation (or reap the rewards) of breaking up the laker almost dynasty.
Angry,
aarhhh! aarhhh! aarhhh!
what, what, what?
gdchild,
“Then came this using Kobe as an example to enforce the "unnatural basketball act" interpretation of rules. Kobe was the easy target and they knew that many anti-Kobe sportsguys in the media wouldn't make a loud roar against that. They were right, it turned out that many media hacks, ig. Sheridan from the bspn, even started calling out Kobe's "dirty plays."
kobe is dirty. he’s a friggin priss who gets pissed when someone plays good defense on him. I’m glad the league punished kobe “elbow me” Bryant.
Pimp,
“81 "irrelevant" points?? How is being down by 17 in the 3rd and coming back to win "irrelevant"??”
what has kobe or the lakers done in the playoffs in the last 3 years?? I got an idea, how about kobe winning the scoring title for the next 10 years and the lakers getting bounced in the 1st round the same 10 years?
“Again, your hate clouds your judgement. You will never admit you were wrong about any of this, even if Kobe gets KG to come to LA next summer and proceeds to win another 3 titles.”
on the contrary, I’ve admitted many times when I’m wrong. most recently, I apologized to Faith for my mean-spirited joke. willingness to admit past failures leads to future success……..confuses said………or was it “go to bed with itchy a$$, wake up with smelly fingers”?
“Why is Shaquille O'Neal not responsible for his trade demand? Wasn't he the older, veteran player? Where is his responsibility in any of this? Why do you give him a free pass, but hate on Kobe?”
the Big Lazy was responsible too. I’m happy the Most Lazy Ever has won a championship in Miami. I hope he gets another one just to rub into kobe’s “green with Envy” eyes.
Mitchell,
“Despite the league's efforts to market Lebron and D Wade, Kobe is still the #1 draw in the league. In other words, he [kobe] is quietly becoming the face of the league again, despite not having won anything yet.”
kobe brought this upon himself by being an easy target……..karma has a way of coming full circle. all the hate for kobe is deserving of the Big Jerkoff. BTW, kobe is the face of how b-ball is not to be played....... unless your in an one-on-one league. LBJ, Dwade, Nash, Duncan is how the game should be played……as a TEAM…not jacking up 25-30 shots a night.
okay, I’m out for reals this time.
Posted by: KL | May 25, 2007 at 02:07 PM
Edwin,
At this point, I believe Farmar can turn into a consistent "dont mess things up" PG next year ala Derek Fisher in his young years.
I want to draft another young PG in the draft: Javaris Crittendon or Acie Law.
I want the Lakers to sign a big two guard to play the triangle PG position ala Ron Harper. The guy that comes to mind is Derek Anderson. No, I dont want him specifically but somebody in the 6-5 range with ballhandling skills that can help hound opposing PGs. We need a guy to be physical with a guard and then we need a quick guy to stay in front of a PG.
Then, I want the Lakers to trade Kwame Brown & Brian Cook for Artest. You take our cancers will take your cancers kind of thing.
After that, you just look for another "take up space" big man to help improve depth. Magloire, Nazr Mohammed, anybody on the cheap is better than Kwame on the expensive.
Re-sign Luke Walton & Mihm.
That way, we maintain our core contributors (Walton, Kobe, Odom, Turiaf), get rid of our cancers (Kwame, Cook,Smush), bring in IMPACT talent (Artest), and have young players ready to contribute but we dont have to depend on too much (Farmar, draft pick PG, Bynum).
I do think having Artest on the team is that big a deal.
And I do think that team gets a 3 -5 seed in the west allowing Kobe to concentrate on scoring and playing D on the 2nd best perimeter player while Artest can negate a teams top wingman.
Posted by: Korey | May 25, 2007 at 02:13 PM
Edwin,
What you say about unrestricted vs. restricted FA's is usually true, but in this instance I don't think Milwaukee will match any offers for Bell. They've got 7 FA's right now, and 2 of them are pg's. Mo Williams should get a pretty big offer from them, and I think they'll make offers to Boykins, and Patterson. The way I see it Bell will be the odd man out, and he'll probably ask them not to match an offers if he has the chance to be a starter on another team.
Honestly, I'll be happy as long as we get a pg that can play defense, and consistently hit the open shot. I think Bell is the guy, but if we can get a great player, or another pg that can handle the job I'll be just as happy.
Posted by: Weave-Man | May 25, 2007 at 02:41 PM
wizo,
"I feel like loving the Lakers and hating Kobe puts you in such a weird position that it will detract from your overall enjoyment of the game. "
great observation on shaq, i won't dispute you for now. I would like to say, thanks for your time and sincere honesty. truth be told, when du-mass say stupid things, i'll respond with stupid things. you speak rationally so i'll respond rationally (at least, i'll try). i actually still enjoy the game, but i would much rather enjoy watching the lakers in the finals playing good team ball. i really think next year will be much different. thanks again for the time.
Posted by: KL | May 25, 2007 at 02:53 PM
Here's a trade that I think works for both teams, and really isn't HUGE:
Lakers Trade:
Kwame Brown
Sasha Vujacic
Seattle Trades:
Nick Collison
Earl Watson
Seattle makes this trade for the simple fact that they are clearing cap space. Receiving two expiring deals allows them to get out from under two of their bigger/longer contracts, especially Watson who is redundant on that roster with Luke Ridnour. Kwame allows them a stop gap at the 5 until one of their 3 young center prospects develop.
Due to the fact that the franchise is in flux with the city, new owner, and lack of coach, and they will probably be looking to build long term around Kevin Durant, saving money moving forward will be a big plus.
The Lakers make this trade because they get a PF/C who can start and is more traditional in Collison (and who played substantial minutes at the 5 last season) and Watson is an upgrade over any PG we currently have. Immediately those two guys become starters on this team.
PG Watson
SG Kobe
C Bynum
PF Collison
SF Odom
Not great but who can actually see it working.
Posted by: Andrew Z | May 25, 2007 at 02:55 PM
KL,
My turn to ask - how old are you? I mean seriously? You either like getting whipped or have selective memory.
Earth to KL: this is 2007, not 2006.
It don't matter how many rings Shaq got when riding Wade's coat-tails or depending on Kobe to get him to the finals when he would finally wake up.
Fact is that Shaq don't win squat without either of those folks.
And extending the olive branch *this year* to Kobe is not the same as nominating him for MVP.
Too bad you can't come up with any trash to justify that HA HA.
Keep trying..maybe someday you'll be able to come up with something constructive.
Posted by: hariyahu | May 25, 2007 at 02:58 PM
KL,
"LBJ, Dwade, Nash, Duncan is how the game should be played……as a TEAM"
Not to get into any argument. But I persume you are watching the Cavs and the Pistons. Well if you are do you really believe the Cavs and Lebron are playing good team ball? I am not questioning Lebrons game nor do I want to debate who is better (Kobe vs Lebron). Just wondering if you think the Cavs are playing good team ball because in my opinion they are playing horribly. Their games seems to be based on dribble, dribble, dribble (whether Lebron or somebody else) shoot, or dribble, dribble, dribble try to get to the hoop shoot or dish. The worst part is they miss 60% of the time. Doesn't seem like good Bball to me and looks very disorganized. But then again thats my opinion.
cheers
Posted by: iksaglam | May 25, 2007 at 03:00 PM
ventriloquist...
If I was the K brothers...no way do I not adopt a different alias and come and cause some havoc every now and again...Id even invent characters to beef up my arguments and exotic, suggestive cheerleader types saying how hot my photo was....not to mention creating a new A - hole for certain bloggers from time to time....
Ive never been able to pick a poster out as a K bro yet though... have you?
Posted by: Kiwi | May 25, 2007 at 03:02 PM
I think ll the PGs listed as possible targets have some problems:
STEVE BLAKE - Not a significant improvement from Shammond, who we can get for much cheaper.
EARL BOYKINS: I love Earl, but he addresses neither of our needs from the 1: his shot isn't consistent and he's 5'6". Freaking Damon Stoudemire can post him up. Plus, he's not going to be able to see over other guards and deliver the ball where we need it.
BIBBY: He wants to go to Houston. He's said that he's willing to take the MLE from them. I don't think we're going to be able to compete for his services.
KIDD: Would cost half our team. There's virtually no way to get him without giving up Lamar, and I'm not willing to entertain that idea.
BREVIN KNIGHT: See Steve Blake, above.
We should target Mo Williams with our MLE. If we can't get him, sign Mikki Moore and let Farmar start next year. The key is to get Artest.
Posted by: SBPimp | May 25, 2007 at 03:02 PM
AK,
"When I said the league used Kobe as an example, I meant because he's a big star and they wanted to show that nobody was above the law, not specifically because it's Kobe Bryant. For the same reasons they gave Melo such a rough suspension"
-Melo's rough suspension was a direct result of his tarnished image. Guys with a clean image like Steve Nash, D Wade and Lebron would not have received such a lenghty suspension.
-If the league wants to show that "nobody is above the law", than the league just proved that Lebron is, in fact, above the law.
"You can't actively use a guy as one of your biggest money generators while simulatenously not allowing him to be a face of the league. Those two things run in direct contrast of each other.
-They do not run into direct contrast if you take into account that the league image is a very high pirority for Stern. Despite Kobe's populairty, he is hated everywhere. Even a decent chunk of Laker fans hate Kobe. It's a very simple concept that the league does not want a guy with such a tarnished image to be the #1 face of the league. That goes for any corporation or corporate sponsor.
"Especially when there are other players doing way more to hurt the league's image than Kobe."
-These "other players doing more to hurt the league image" are not a threat to become the #1 face of an image conscious league.
"Plus, to be honest, the Colorado incident is old news. It happened four years ago. It's rarely ever mentioned anymore (outside of articles talking about how Kobe's regained his place as a marketable pitchman). It's not on the forefront of anything involving Kobe anymore."
-I didn't want to bring up race, but a famous black man in America being accused of rape against a white woman is not something White America easily forgets, especially in the Red States. (Let's not forget, White America is the target audience of Stern's marketing campaign). You and I might consider it old news, but there are plenty of people in this society who view the Colorado incident as an unforgivable crime, and will NEVER forgive Kobe for it.
I am not saying that any of this is proof that there is a bias against Kobe. It's just that I've seen a clear difference in the officiating on Kobe after the league stopped marketing him as its golden boy. Coincidence?...maybe. The suspensions and the biased media coverage only confirmed by beliefs. This latest incident with Lebron is just the cherry on top. I know I will never convince you, but hopefully I planted a little seed in your head that will grow as more evidence continues to emerge. lol.
Posted by: mitchell | May 25, 2007 at 03:16 PM
"I want the Lakers to sign a big two guard to play the triangle PG position ala Ron Harper. The guy that comes to mind is Derek Anderson. No, I dont want him specifically but somebody in the 6-5 range with ballhandling skills that can help hound opposing PGs. We need a guy to be physical with a guard and then we need a quick guy to stay in front of a PG."
Korey that guy is Charlie Bell his 6'4 can hit the outside shot as well as hound the opposing guards.... Also his quick enough to stay infront of little guards as well... Now if we can get Artest by trading away Kwame (9.6M) and Cook (1.75M) trade money even though he makes 3M a year, as well as Mo Evans (1.5m) to entice them.. We can get back Artest plus one of their PF that have bad contracts... I will go with Kenny Thomas over Shareef... But he makes slightly more than Shareef over the same time frame.... now if we can get PJ Brown or Maglore I'm happy with that over Kwame.... So essentially we will end of with the strating line-up of
Charlie Bell
Kobe
Artest
Odom
Maglore or PJ Brown
Turiaf
Mimm
Bynum
Kenny Thomas
Farmar
Vrad
Luke (re sign)
Sasha
Now this means will be deap again in the SF spot with Artest, Luke, Vrad
and even Kenny Thomas at times... I will than trade Luke or Vrad , Bynum, Sasha and Kenny Thomas To Seatlle For Rashard Lewis and Chris Wilcox...
Seattle will make this trade if they get Durant they would want a center to go along with him and clear up cap space as well as they will be over 65M if they do decide to sign Rashard that plays the same position as Durant....
Than I would trade Rashard Lewis, Chris Wilcox, and 1st round 19th pick to Memphis for Paul Gasol and Dalantay Jones.....
line up for the Lakers will be even deeper with Gasol at center
Kobe
Bell
Artest
Odom
Gasol
bench:
Vrad or Luke
Mimm
Maglore
Turiaf
Dalantay Jones
Farmar
Posted by: Gino | May 25, 2007 at 03:31 PM
Mitchell,
"They do not run into direct contrast if you take into account that the league image is a very high pirority for Stern"
If image is a priority to Stern (and he considers Kobe's a bad one), then he wouldn't use Kobe to market the league. At all. He wouldn't simply not do it as often as other players as some kind of compromise. It's not like the average person looks at how much he uses Kobe's face, then compares that to how much he uses Wade or LeBron's or Dirk's. They don't sit around thinking, "Well, Kobe's the 5th most frequent guy in NBA ads, which means blah,blah, blah." The average person will see it as either Kobe's being marketed or he isn't being marketed. And Stern does market the league using Kobe. A lot. So it's clearly not that big a thing to him. Would he really allow Kobe to judge the dunk contest (arguably the highest profile event of the All-Star Weekend) if he was so dead set on distancing the league image from Kobe?
"You and I might consider it old news, but there are plenty of people in this society who view the Colorado incident as an unforgivable crime, and will NEVER forgive Kobe for it."
But there are plenty more that do forgive Kobe (in the red states as well, as evidenced by the cheers he gets). And they've spoken with their dollars, which is why Stern would have no worries about offending the masses. He's not gonna ignore a marketing opportunity in 49 states to appease Colorado. And he's never gonna please all the fans, anyway. There are ones who hate LeBron, hate Wade, hate Nash, etc. If Stern worried about pleasing everyone, he'd be cautious about marketing anyone. It seems pretty clear he feels confident using Kobe as a pitchman/face of the league (even if he's not THE face).
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | May 25, 2007 at 03:38 PM
Andrew Z -
Great trade idea. I didn't like it at first, but the more I think about it, the more I like it.
The only thing I don't like about it is that I think getting Artest is a bigger priority, as is re-signing Luke. If we can get Artest with, say, Vlad and Cook, I say do it.
Posted by: SBPimp | May 25, 2007 at 03:44 PM
Good points AK,
However, I don't think we will be able to convince each other whether there is a bias against Kobe or not. I'll wait until there is further evidence before trying to convince the non-believers.
Mitchell K.
President of the Anti-Kobe Conspiracy Movement
Posted by: mitchell | May 25, 2007 at 03:57 PM
Mitchell,
No worries. Interesting discussion, for sure.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | May 25, 2007 at 03:59 PM
Why wouldn't Portland and Seattle just trade Rashard and ZBo? Assuming they pick Oden and Durant respectively, that would make sense for each of those teams.
Posted by: hariyahu | May 25, 2007 at 04:01 PM
Mitchell...just to add to that
Carmelo was sort of over the whole tarnished thing as well before the knicks fight...I found his actions quite disapointing at the time becasue he was kind of back on his feet and pulling off the whole 'Ive grown up bounced back and Im playing awesome' thing and everyone was lapping it up...
Posted by: Kiwi | May 25, 2007 at 04:13 PM
Kiwi,
I have never mentioned or thought your name would be the cover of the webmaster. If you read my post written just a few minutes ago, you'd understand.
Please forgive my "Caveman" reaction to:
"Ive never been able to pick a poster out as a K bro yet though... have you?"
What????
Posted by: Ventriloquist | May 25, 2007 at 04:27 PM
Fatty,
My suspicion hovers around the name LA guy for couple of reasons:
>He usually responds to others and very seldom has his own topics.
>Most of the time, his responses are nasty and I don’t think anybody could be in such a bad mood all the time unless it’s just the angry side of a different person.
I respect and like AK and BK, but like all of us, they have to deal with the complexity of their emotions too. They couldn’t possibly always behave in a politically correct mode. Sometimes they need to release the steam of anger somehow. And in their position, using a different name could be a logical and relatively safe solution.
What you think?
Posted by: Ventriloquist | May 25, 2007 at 04:31 PM
Kiwi,
"Ive never been able to pick a poster out as a K bro yet though... have you?"
Of course not! When they want to present an opinion that is out of line with their public persona, they just select the poster who typically presents that particular viewpoint. They don't always use the same one.
For instance, remember those couple of Jackson Journals that were mildly critical of Kwame Brown? You guessed it!! They were written by one of the K-brothers. (By the way, that would be a great name for a men's clothing store, wouldn't it? "Come to K-brothers!! Get your tailored Italian suit for just $99.99!! We'll even throw in a shirt and tie!!")
Posted by: exhelodrvr | May 25, 2007 at 04:31 PM
Kiwi,
Sorry, I confused somebody else's post with yours: Middle of reading your post, I had to answer the phone and scrolled up and down to go back reading your post I got lost. So, please disregard my last post. And you are so right in:
"If I was the K brothers...no way do I not adopt a different alias........."
Please read my post regarding the name LAguy and tell me what you think.
lol
Ventriloquist
Posted by: Ventriloquist | May 25, 2007 at 04:55 PM
Gino, Weave-man
You are starting to convince me of the value of Charlie Bell.
One website has Bell as a FA with no restrictions. His contract is up and Milw. has no Bird rights. If that is true, then the Lakers would have an excellant chance to sign him. Like Mo, he is a late bloomer that has paid his dues in Europe. His scouting report shows no weaknesses and only strengths. He averaged 35 min/game. Milw. signed him as a back up and he turned into a major player due to injuries which gave him an opportunity to develope in the NBA. Could be a rising star, much the way Billups developed.
No team has any real money to shed on FA's. So, our MLE and the "mystique" of playing for the Lakers could do it. Promise him starting, and playing with Kobe, being coached by Phil, and the keys to the Smushcalade, and I feel he will sign. I'm not worried about Milwaukee, except its close to his old home. Kobe can "speaka soma Italiano" and get him to sign. He could be the break we are looking for.
If we can only get Artest without giving up Kwame we'd be set.
Artest: If I were Sacramento GM, I would demand Kwame as the main piece. He fits SAC needs perfectly. I would push the lakers to take one of our bad contracts and scream that they give us a #1. I really think he is ours to lose. Give the Kings next years #1 because it won't be worth much when we win the title. Yeah Baby !!! Right on, right on, right on.!!!
The deal is done. Artest is an angel, meant to play in the city of the Angels.
Fatty
Posted by: Fatty | May 25, 2007 at 05:05 PM
"Artest is an angel, meant to play in the city of the Angels"
Haha, I'll take him even as the devil lol...anything for a ring lol.
Posted by: Faith | May 25, 2007 at 05:29 PM
Ex "You can always tell a genuine Fatty post"
Whenever a post says something real stupid and signed "Fatty" I know its not from me. It has to be from somebody else. If its funny, clever, witty, and brilliant it must be the genuine item.
Vent
Until I saw the pictures of the k's on the page, I used to think only AK posted and counter posted using BK name. Like the good guy, bad guy gig.(You choose which one is which)That theory was shot down along with the Evil twin Brother theory as well. LA Guy? Interesting?
Hariyahu
I could never negotiate for the Lakers and the PHX Suns. Between me saying "up yours" in every other sentence, and wanting to urinate on the floor, it wouldn't be a good experience. Definately, one of those check your guns at the door negotiations.
Fatty, or is he?
Posted by: Fatty | May 25, 2007 at 05:30 PM
Weave-man & Gino,
It looks good on Charlie Bell, his previous salary was $0.7, here are his stats.
http://www.sportsline.com/nba/players/playerpage/245725
I heard on K570 that Jim Buss will accept interview after 7/1. Well the Laker drama is more exciting than the playoffs.
Fatty,
You have one assignment for the blog. Get Artest, we'll give him a new chihuahua. haha!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 25, 2007 at 05:37 PM
LOL Ventriloquist!!!.... I thought you were nuttier than a Jackson journal on bad day for a minute there...makes no difference to me if anyone thinks Im a BK,AK,Michael Teniente, or an alien...but for the record Im none of the above... although now I think about it being some kind of superblog alien would be kinda cool but no doubt Id get pinged as an automated robot or something...theres alot of prejudice against aliens out there...I think people are scared of what they dont understand...but I digress.I replied to your post on the other thread anyway...
Ex...Thats certainly got a ring to it...better yet it could be a shop where you only sell things beginning with the letter K like..um...ok your idea idea was better...nice theory by the way AK...I mean Ex
Posted by: Kiwi | May 25, 2007 at 05:41 PM
fatty nice cop out man...I wish Id thought of that one
Posted by: Kiwi | May 25, 2007 at 06:01 PM
Kiwi,
I thought mamaba24 is funny..... but, noway. You are the funniest. I am glad that phone call came and caused that confusion made you write this. hahahah. I can't stop laughing..
My wife is looking at me laughing at the monitor and she is asking: "Did you smoke something???"
LOL
Ventriloquist
Posted by: Ventriloquist | May 25, 2007 at 06:13 PM
Edwin
"You have one assignment for the blog. Get Artest, we'll give him a new chihuahua. haha!"
HAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!
Fatty, its friday and thats funny
Posted by: Fatty | May 25, 2007 at 06:36 PM
Ventriliquist...as long as you are enjoying yourself...thanks for the props although youll probably find yourself the victim of a string of abusive posts from other bloggers for encouraging me....
Posted by: Kiwi | May 25, 2007 at 06:42 PM
How's this for a classic NBA double standard....who was it that said, "It's not a matter of fairness. It's a matter of correctness."? The @zz...
http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/sports/basketball/nba/cleveland_cavaliers/17278878.htm
Posted by: The Waterboy | May 25, 2007 at 06:55 PM
Will you trade KB for LJ? I would, LJ is better.
Posted by: Tarugo | May 25, 2007 at 08:41 PM
bad news about kwame brown....how are we gonna trade him now?!
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-lakers26may26,0,3428500.story?coll=la-home-sports
Posted by: O.E | May 25, 2007 at 08:55 PM
Fatty,
LMAOROTFL!!
Posted by: hariyahu | May 25, 2007 at 09:58 PM
Lakerfaze,
“I wish we would have made a move for C. Webb a couple years ago, he turned us down for the Pistons this year (didn't he?) and Finley he's balked on our offers of the vet min. atleast a couple times during the Shaq era... before Malone came aboard and took the same $'s...”
Why would CWebb or Finley waste their time with kobe “me me”?
Tim-4-Show,
“Kobe has already paid his dues, now he's in conserve mode... the rest of the guys ought to be in the gym 6, 8, 10 hours a day in this offseason working, working, and working some more! I'm sure finding some people to help them work out isn't too tough.”
Interesting you say kobe has already paid his dues and he’s in “conserve mode”…..wasn’t shaq in the same position? But nevermind that, shaq’s a du-mass lazy a$$ who doesn’t deserve a break for making it into the 2nd round since 1995. perhaps kobe should of kept his young, ignorant a$$ shut and let shaq relax during the offseason. Geez what a concept now that kobe's getting some miles......
Hari,
“My turn to ask - how old are you? I mean seriously? You either like getting whipped or have selective memory. Earth to KL: this is 2007, not 2006.”
You still haven’t answered my question….who won the title in 2006?
“It don't matter how many rings Shaq got when riding Wade's coat-tails or depending on Kobe to get him to the finals when he would finally wake up.”
I suppose shaq was riding Penny’s coattail too? Maybe shaq should give his 3 finals MVP to kob? Thank you, come again.
Iksaglam,
“Not to get into any argument. But I persume you are watching the Cavs and the Pistons. Well if you are do you really believe the Cavs and Lebron are playing good team ball?”
First off, I respect your opinion so i’ll knock off the rhetoric with you. Please do not see our dialogue as an argument. I respect your POV even if we disagree. I like talking b-ball as a casual fan.
I honestly believe LBJ is doing the right thing by getting his guys involved, win or lose. LBJ is learning, he did take the possible GW shot in game 2. Also, keep in mind that Cavs are playing on par with a championship-caliber team. I believe they’re (DET) employing the “Jordan rule” (note, not the kobe rule.........sorry, i couldn't help it LOL) because the Cavs don’t have the supporting cast yet. I respect LBJ taking responsibility for loses (hopefully he’ll give credit to his guys when they win) thus taking pressure off the Marshalls and Pavlovics of the world. My humble opinion is that It’ll pay off down the road, maybe not this year, but “them other guys” are watching and will be more willing to join LBJ in pursuit of a championship because they’ll know LBJ won’t stab them in the back (hence my main problem with kobe, he blames others instead of saying “this is my team, thus It’s my responsibility”). I think it’s unlikey Cavs reach the finals this year, but they’re getting closer every year and I’ll bet Cavs win the championship next year. It’ll be a longshot, but I put money on the Heats to win in 2006……and Heats did win…..the odds at Belliagio was 3.5:1.
Tarugo
“Will you trade KB for LJ? I would, LJ is better.”
LBJ for shizzle. LBJ is more likely to win a championship in the next 5 years than kobe “scoring title” Bryant.
Posted by: KL | May 26, 2007 at 12:26 AM
"Why is Shaquille O'Neal not responsible for his trade demand? Wasn't he the older, veteran player? Where is his responsibility in any of this? Why do you give him a free pass, but hate on Kobe?"
Shaq saw right through what the ball hog and Buss was doing. He wanted the trade demand because he knew that was the only way to prove a point.
You can't win a championship in LA without him
And that point has been proven to us for the last 3 years!
Posted by: gunner24 | May 26, 2007 at 12:37 AM
Gunner24 You Said it!!!
You can't win a championship in LA without him
And that point has been proven to us for the last 3 years!
Guess what Shaq cannot get to NBA finals without an outstanding shooting guard!!
Case in point, Orlando, LA & Miami!!
If t he outstanding shooting guard is injured or not playing up to par Shaq is not good enough to carry the team.
Eg Magic 1994, LA 2004, Miami 2007
Aaarrrhhhh!!
Angry_Laker
Posted by: Angry_Laker | May 26, 2007 at 02:21 AM
Gunner24 You Said it!!!
You can't win a championship in LA without him
And that point has been proven to us for the last 3 years!
Guess what Shaq cannot get to NBA finals without an outstanding shooting guard!!
Case in point, Orlando, LA & Miami!!
If t he outstanding shooting guard is injured or not playing up to par Shaq is not good enough to carry the team.
Eg Magic 1994, LA 2004, Miami 2007
Aaarrrhhhh!!
Angry_Laker
Posted by: Angry_Laker | May 26, 2007 at 02:21 AM
AK:
"Why would Stern feel he still needs to distance himself from Kobe, especially in light of how fans are clearly in his corner?"
No, not clearly. Many fans (including some so-called Laker fans) are not in Kobe's corner. Lots of ignorant fans hate Kobe b/o your colleague's portrait of Kobe as the devil.
Especially, too many of the media types aren't in Kobe's corner (including Plaschke, Bresnahan, Simers, Heisler of the latimes). For example, the AP columnist who wrote the Kobe as the #1 jersey seller. He used so many twisting and condemning comments regarding Kober. Another example, Sheridan of the bspn. He bashed Kobe's "selfishness" when he (while injured) didn't say "we" when referring to Team USA practicing for the WBC last summer. He claimed Kobe to be a dirty player b/o the suspensions and demanded Kobe's head. The list goes on.
Posted by: gdchild | May 26, 2007 at 03:54 AM
gdchild,
"Especially, too many of the media types aren't in Kobe's corner (including Plaschke, Bresnahan, Simers, Heisler of the latimes). For example, the AP columnist who wrote the Kobe as the #1 jersey seller. He used so many twisting and condemning comments regarding Kober. Another example, Sheridan of the bspn. He bashed Kobe's "selfishness" when he (while injured) didn't say "we" when referring to Team USA practicing for the WBC last summer. He claimed Kobe to be a dirty player b/o the suspensions and demanded Kobe's head. The list goes on."
all the crap kobe get's is deserving for being the Big Jerkoff. Karma has a way of coming full circle. kobe will be remembered as the Big Jerkoff who gave up championships for self-serving purposes.......self-serving purposes which is backfiring so far......haha.........$hits and giggles
Posted by: KL | May 26, 2007 at 08:27 AM
Gdchild,
I don't think any of that really matters, honestly. Does everyone like Kobe? No, of course not. And everyone doesn't like LeBron, everyone doesn't like Wade, everyone doesn't like Nash, etc. (Look at the evidence on this blog alone. haha). But enough people clearly do like Kobe (as shown by his jersey sales, the cheers he gets on the road, etc.) that Stern needn't feel nervous about being associated with him.
Yes, there are lingering issues of selfishness, which doesn't make Stern's job as easy. But from a true "public outrage" perspective, the biggest obstacle he'd have marketing with Kobe is the Colorado incident and as I've said, that seems to be overwhelmingly viewed as something in the past. It's rarely mentioned in articles or pieces about Kobe (except ones talking about how he's managed to become marketable again) and even the anti-Kobe on this blog pretty much limit their gripes to basketball, not Colorado. Are there some who still hold it against him. Sure. But that doesn't appear to be the majority, and that's what's most important.
Kobe's image definitely isn't perfect. Some of that is unfair media coverage. Some is his own doing. But in any event, his image has undoubtedly improved a ton over the last couple years. That's undeniable. He's now in commercials again. He's spotlighted for charity work. And he's judging slam dunk contests, which David Stern would have never signed off on if he really wanted to distance the league from Kobe. That's just common sense.
Kobe may not be THE "face" of the league (and honestly, I'm not even sure one player alone is). But he's definitely A face, for sure.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | May 26, 2007 at 09:38 AM
BK,
Here's another idea:
1. Exercise luxury taxes on Kwame Brown, then release him, that brings down our total salaries to $48M (57m - 9m = 48m);
2. Get Rudy Fernandez of Spain on the #19th pick a good SG, convert him into PG interloping with Kobe and Lamar. Rudy has 16ppg 3.4rpg 1.9apg in the Spanish league and responsible for making Spain the FIBA Champion last summer.
3. Package the contract of Sasha/Cook/ Vlad or Luke and find a good 5 reliable in defense. I suggested ZO tho he's old he can play for one more year who could Bynum. How about getting Sofoklis Schortsanitis 6'10" known as Baby Shaq. Can we trade his rights with Clippers or buy out his contract with Olympiacos BC? He never played with Clippers but taken as 2nd round draft pick in '03.
4. Sign Charlie Bell as suggested by Weave-man and Gino as another PG which is an insurance for Rudy Fernandez.
5. Offer Rashard Lewis a rich two year contract starting 13m '08 14m '09
Here are the computations:
'07-'08 Total Players contract - $57M
Less: Kwame luxurytax exempt $9m
Remaining Total $ 48M
Pickup R. Lewis $ 13M
Pickup Rudy Fernandez from Joventut
Pickup S. Schortsanitis from Clippers & Olympiacos BC
Here is our lineup:
1 Bell/Farmar/Fernandez
2 Kobe/MO or Fernandez
3 Lewis/Vlad or Luke
4 LO/Turiaf/2nd Rd Draft pick
5 Bynum/Sofoklis/Mihm
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 26, 2007 at 11:54 AM
Edwin-
Sorry, a couple of those things won't work. Kwame's money is guaranteed, so it counts against the cap whether they release him or not. As for Lewis, there's no way a two year deal will actually get him. He'll get a lot better offer than that, which is a moot point, since they can't make the offer anyway, short of a sign and trade. Then you get back to the problems of constructing a trade for Lewis that the Sonics would actually take.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | May 26, 2007 at 02:14 PM
I all agree with the guys.you know KB really need some guys who can help at any time ....I mean the special time and win the game. We all like that, doesn"t it.
so I'm hoping the lakers time...
Posted by: asd | May 29, 2007 at 02:43 AM
I all agree with the guys.you know KB really need some guys who can help at any time ....I mean the special time and win the game. We all like that, doesn"t it.
so I'm hoping the lakers time...
Posted by: asd | May 29, 2007 at 02:43 AM
Kwame is $9.7ml in the paint mobile defender physical phenom expiring 1yr. [I'm LQQKing at the Positive 8') ] which = value to the right suiter. What Extremely Motivated team has a big matching expiring contract that doesn't need scoring, DESPARATELY needs: a Young paint proven shutdown defender that can run & can move feet to recover back to the paint if caught on the pick & roll/pop outside or mismatch w/ midget guard, w/ a 1 yr risk experiment they can bail on & Free up $10ml in Salary? Can U say a Phoenix Suns with a 3.5 yr Steve Nash closing Championship window ? Step#1 of 3 team Trade - Mckie $2ml expiring now + Kwame + cash for Marion ?(Now Laker trade bait Pkg :) The salaries work. The needs match Step #2 summer07 or summer08
trading for Artest is a risk Lakerland doesn't need and NOT For Kwame. I'm not sure who I'd do it for or if I'd do it at all with all the upheval right now. We need stability & solid trade choices. Kwame is $9.7ml in the paint mobile defender physical phenom expiring 1yr. [I'm LQQKing at the Positive 8') ] which = value to the right suiter. What Extremely Motivated team has a big matching expiring contract that doesn't need scoring, DESPARATELY needs: a Young paint proven shutdown defender that can run & can move feet to recover back to the paint if caught on the pick & roll/pop outside or mismatch w/ midget guard, w/ a 1 yr risk experiment they can bail on & Free up $10ml in Salary? Can U say a Phoenix Suns with a 3.5 yr Steve Nash closing Championship window ? Step#1 of 3 team Trade - Mckie $2ml expiring now + Kwame + cash for Marion ?(Now Laker trade bait Pkg :) The salaries work. The needs match & the Suns have enough offense w/o Matrix to win a Championship but not enough Paint Defense. I see no other fast physically fit running defensive big man other than Ben Wallace(Bulls will NOT trade him + 4yr contract) that could run the floor in the Phoenix 7 second offense that would be satisified not scoring. Next. Step #2 summer07 or summer08 Trade Matrix + Radmonivic (proven 3pt dead eye to replace Wally Szczerbiak (they miss him to stretch the floor) + cash + 2 future 1st/2nd round draft pics to Minnisota for KG. Wolves get 3 for 1 replacement. Throw in Cookie if it's a must but the salaries work w/o Cookie.
Lakers next possible trade fix is to resign a $12ml 1 yr team option contract extended 13pt/10rbd/2blk Young Cris Mihm - a young 1yr team/option serviceable Big(young proven legit 7ftrs are rare now & we got 3) + do a sign trade w/ Bynum + Sasha?($1.7ml) + Cash + 1st & 2nd rounders (if we have them) for Indy's J.Oniel . NOTE- I don't like giving up on Bynum, but we must go for it NOW (next 5 year Kobe window). That gives Indy 2 bigs + 2 futures for one big.
Resign Luke for $4ml x 5 years
Resign Mo Evans NOW (don't repeat the Fisher mistake)
Resign Ronny Turiaf for $3ml x 5 years
Sign Grant Hill for the Vets minimum $1.5ml
Sign defensive Deven Green at the 3 for $700k
Keep Shammon
Keep Cookie if possible
Keep Farmar
I welcome all comments on this from the forum.
Posted by: dealmakr | May 30, 2007 at 03:39 AM