Jerry Buss has released a statement in which he says he's spoken to Kobe, assured him that Kobe's frustrations are shared, and that the team will do everything they can to get better "with him as the cornerstone."  They're going to speak again soon.  While I don't know exactly what was said during their conversation, the good news is if the pattern of the last few weeks tells me anything, someone will be on the radio shortly to fill everyone in.

BK

*That was a solid treaty, though if it's hubris you're after, it's tough to beat the Treaty of Tordesillas. 

Many of us have met the morning fuzzy brained and hung over, not quite sure of exactly what happened the night before. Or, depending on the size and quality of the bender, the day before. But enough about my years at college. My point? After Wednesday's whirlwind Day of Kobe, it's a little tough to tell where things stand. Kobe kicked off the morning by saying he wanted to be traded, then seemed to back off those comments, before finishing off the day by reiterating his desire to be moved. The whole thing raises some major questions, some of which are easier to answer than others. Kobe remains unhappy at whoever in the organization intimated he was responsible for Shaq leaving town and at the quality of the team and promises he says were made, then broken by the organization (although clearly, life ain't been all bad). It's a question of history already made and what might come in a year or two. If it's an attempt by Kobe to force the team to bring Jerry West back into the fold, that doesn't look good. The consensus seems to be that Kobe, at least for now, isn't going anywhere. But that doesn't mean trade scenarios can't be kicked around, right?   

Just like the zillion or so stories on the issue... 

Okay, first things first.  Does Kobe's request to be traded in any way affect the team's chances at another go-around with Slava?  The two seemed kinda tight, so will this end up a case of Medvedenko not coming back if Kobe's gone?

After mulling that scenario over, you can check out some thoughts I have on the past 114 hours or so of whirlwind.  I'm gonna have a drink, because this saga's been exhausting.

... at Henry Abbot's TrueHoop blog on ESPN.com.  Useful knowledge regarding Kobe's contract, no trade clause, etc., plus an update on 24's declaration that he'll stay if "The Insider" goes, links to some of the radio interviews.

Line of the day goes to J.A. Adande on PTI (and pardon me in advance if I get this slightly wrong) when asked about possible trade destinations, including the Knicks: "If I see a 212 come up on the caller ID, I'm not even taking the call." 

BK

After dropping the "Trade me" bomb this morning on Stephen A. Smith's radio show, Kobe Bryant appeared on ESPN radio's Dan Patrick Show.  While he's clearly still ticked, it did sound like there's a little wiggle room in Kobe's stance to see if things might improve.  He's gone from saying nothing can be done to repair the relationship to opening the door to the possibility something could put things right (ex: Bryant told Smith that even if Jerry West came back, he still wants out.  Later, Bryant seemed to indicate to Patrick that the return of The Logo would at least help).   

Click below the jump for excerpts of the Q & A, along with some summary. 

BK

It's official.  Kobe's now asking out.  And he just told Steven A. Smith on his morning radio show that nothing could change his mind.

"Yeah, I would like to be traded.  As tough as it is to say that, as tough as it is to come to that conclusion, there's no other alternative." 

Well, at least we've now hit rock bottom in this saga.   Well, except for the players theoretically received in exchange for Bryant. 

-AK

After a weekend of controversy Kobe Bryant stated his case on Monday in a series of radio and television interviews, and it wasn't a pretty picture for the Lakers.  The Lakers, he says, lied to him about what form the post-Shaq rebuilding process would take, with the end result being more "rebuilding" than Bryant expected.  Perhaps more than anything, Bryant was upset at a Times story from Monday that referenced a "Laker insider" saying it was 24's desire to get away from O'Neal that put the Lakers in the position in which they currently find themselves.  Bryant says Jerry Buss told him he wasn't bringing back Shaq independent of Kobe's '04 free agent decision, something that has been said by Buss in the past (and an account supported by O'Neal).  Bryant also said the team told him one thing an Phil Jackson another about how fast the team intended to contend, and now he has serious "trust issues" with management.

The Lakers, for their part, have said nothing... but should, says Bill Plaschke.  And sometimes a neat hyperlink segue just doens't work for a T.J. Simers column. 

The hits just keep coming.  The docs didn't know what exactly they'd have to do with Kwame Brown's injured left ankle until they opened it up.  Well, the news wasn't good.  Brown's ankle required reconstruction, and he'll be out a minimum of four months.  He'll join L.O. in the surgery wing of the Lakers roster.  The news doesn't preclude the Lakers from trading him and his $9.1 million salary, but it doesn't help, should that be the direction they choose to go.  The hope was that Brown would only need to have some bone spurs repaired, the necessary recovery time from such a procedure being substantially shorter.

Fair to say this hasn't been a good week for the purple and gold.  But tomorrow's another day (no, that's not supposed to be a threat).   

BK

A: Anyone but the Buss.

Cue the inevitable "this whole Kobe-West situation's driving him to drink" joke. 

Well, at least there's something new to talk about besides #24 and The Logo.

-AK

The Lakers have always seemed to generate as many soap opera plot lines as wins, to the point that anyone connected to the organization should be provided SAG cards and Daytime Emmys to go along with the championship rings and Larry O'Brien trophies.  Well, given the events of the weekend, it looks like a return of the good (not so) old days are back.  The Lakers once again, as Mark Heisler reports, have all the makings of a quality daytime weeper, with a tangle of allegiances and relationships tethered to a highly interested audience.  No matter who you believe (Inside his article, Heisler writes that ESPN's Ric Bucher, who delivered the initial report of Bryant's alleged West-or-move-me ultimatum, says that after going on the air, Bucher "checked back and Bryant said he'd been accurately represented."  Kobe says he wasn't.) one thing is clear- the Lakers aren't trading Bryant.  As for the prospect of West returning to the Lakers, it's hardly a given.  The Logo, who paved the way for Mitch Kupchak in the Lakers front office, is extremely sensitive to doing anything that would seem to undermine him.  (UPDATE: Here's one more link on that subject from Yahoo! Sports, and another from Kevin Ding of the OC Register.)

Shocking as it might be to believe, Ric Bucher's report that Kobe Bryant would like Jerry West back in the fold or perhaps a new address caught the attention of the nation (Laker or otherwise).  In response to said report, Kobe issued some words of his own.  No, he's not demanding a trade if The Logo doesn't get an office in El Segundo (meaning Jay Mariotti may need to scream- or at the very least, type loudly- about something else).  But that said, he's certainly lobbying hard for one Mr. Clutch to appear in next year's media guide under the heading of "Lakers Staff."  He really trusts the Logo, which is a lot more than he's willing to say about Mitch Kupchak (even if, in his mind, he's not throwing him under the bus).  Kobe may like Kupchak as a buddy, but he's also buddies with Carlos Boozer, Baron Davis and Ron Artest, and none are palling around L.A. with him.  Perhaps West would put an emphasis on bringing in more friends (or just dudes who can flat out play, even if Kobe doesn't go out with them for a beer after the game).   

Sunday afternoon, ESPN's Ric Bucher reported Kobe Bryant told him that if Jerry West wasn't brought back to L.A. and given full control, they might as well move him.  Sunday night, Kobe told the Times he wasn't linking his future in L.A. to West's return.  Though there's nothing in there that exactly reads like a ringing endorsement of the current Lakers G.M.  "Mitch is a great guy," Bryant said.  "All I can go by is what has happened with this team the last two years, and I know Jerry West is a guy who's great at what he does."

So begins a summer long soap opera?  To some extent, this feels like a common "Answer D" on a standardized test: Not enough information given. 

Kobe thinks the Lakers should go west.  And if they don't agree, according to ESPN's Ric Bucher, Kobe would like to go east, north or south to another team.   Last we heard, The Logo, now 69, wasn't planning to take a new NBA gig upon leaving the Griz.  But perhaps an invite from #24 will change his mind (and maybe even create a job opening).

No word yet as to whether Sasha is playing the same game of hardball.

-AK

Kobe Bryant has decided it's still more preferable to play for a championship contender rather than a team scrapping to make the playoffs.  Thus, he maintains his exit interview position that roster changes need to be made, A-S-A-Freakin'-P.  Unfortunately, given the Lakers' lack of cap space and their lack of movable assets not requiring surgery, the formula for solving Kobe's woes remains sketchier than recent front office behavior.   What to do if the honchos are unable (or unwilling) to shake things up in a positive manner?  One school of thought would be to find Kobe a new home and start anew from scratch.  The other school says Kobe ain't going anywhere, so he needs to just clamp his piehole and deal.

I'll offer my official two cents on this scenario when we're closer to the actual date the Lakers can start  moving and shaking.  No need to reguritate the same post twice. 

-AK 

Fingers crossed that those pesky osteophytes comprise the extent of the knife-work required on Kwame Brown's ankle.  Worst case scenario, dude will need reconstructive surgery, which could equal several months of recovery time.  That's bad if the Lakers plan on keeping Kwame around next season.  And it's even worse if they were looking to deal him.  I don't know everything about how a GM thinks, but I'll go out on a limb and predict that if a player could potentially miss half a season, that makes him less appealing for a theoretical swap, not more.  Even if Kwame appealed to another front office purely because of his expiring smackaroos, they'd still want a guy who can play.  To say the least, not a positive development for this pivotal off-season.  Well, maybe the Lakers can work out a 2-for-1 deal and get Kwame's hands reconstructed, as long as he's on the operating table.  Or as BK suggested, shoot the works and have the doctors make Kwame bionic.  Better.  Faster.  Stronger.  There's nothing in the NBA rules that specifically prohibits the use of such technology.  I called the league offices and checked.*

All kidding aside, best of luck to Kwame.  Let's hope he catches a break and it's not as serious as feared.

-AK

* - This is true, except for the part about calling the league offices.

"If I file down the earpiece on these $450.00 Gucci sunglasses, will it work as a shiv?"

My bad.  That's what she'll be saying after checking into the "Chateau De Century Regional Detention Center".   

But before receiving her ticket to the Big House, Hilton used her power and infamy to turn "that's hot" into America's favorite catchphrase.  The way folks were running around repeating the words of this political prisoner (Yeah, I said it!), you could make an argument she made the entire world her own little "hot zone."  But you know what else is a hot zone (and a terrible segue)?  This cool little feature I just found while screwing around on nba.com.  It tracks the shots taken by every player throughout the season and divides them up into general areas on the court, giving fans an idea of where guys are most likely to make a shot and most likely to brick.  Select the Lakers, then find the player you want and hit "Update Chart."

    

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. 

Except there are no paddles used, a zillion more balls on hand, and the winner gets a chance to either catapult their franchise's future... or select Michael Olowokandi.  So even though this game (which ROCKS!!!) involving ping pong balls is somewhat more riveting than ones like this, don't let the latter's wallflower atmosphere fool you.  There's plenty at stake with each ball's bounce, even if the action's more "Merchant-Ivory" than "Bruckheimer-Bay."

Strap yourselves in.  It's long. 

PART I- "We didn't finish the season the way we wanted to play ball.  The way we expect to play basketball, and that we'll have to make adjustments to again play in the style we did in the first few months of the year."  Why?  Injuries in part, but not in total.  "Our team became disenchanted with the play and the style we played earlier in the year.  We have to reclaim that.   As for Kobe, PJ knows his frustration.  "There's a certain sense of dedication that players have to the game and the responsibility they have.  Kobe matches that at all points.  Sometimes he overmatches it, and the intensity he brings to the game is sometimes not on a level his teammates can live up to," Jackson said.  "The disruptive element is that guys didn't work hard enough.  We had some disruptive elements.  There was some selfishness that came along with it, and the ultimate responsibility lies with me and with our leadership, which includes Kobe and Lamar."  Was he satisfied with his leadership this year?  "Obviously not.  That's one thing I'm not satisfied with," Jackson said.  He was disappointed he couldn't lead them through this season's adversity to a better result.   

Interesting stuff in here, too, about what the Lakers need, both in terms of personnel and attitude, to improve.  Download phil_jackson_exit_interview_1.mp3      

I figured I'd start this report card by making clear my belief on the relationship between coaching, talent, winning, and losing in the NBA.  It'll help explain my grade (and let you know where specifically to direct your criticisms).  Basically, it comes down to this: In the NBA, talent trumps everything.  A coach can make a difference, no question (especially on the downside- see Brown, Larry '05-'06 Edition), but if the basic building blocks aren't there, it's not going to matter.  And, at least over the second half of this season, it's fair to say that by NBA championship standards, the Lakers had no blocks.  No Legos, no Duplos, no Lincoln Logs.  Aside from Kobe and a dinged up L.O., at least.  And as we all saw, that won't get it done.  A great coach can take what's there and squeeze a little something extra out of it or get a quality team to that next level, but they cannot bleed a rock.

Here at Lakers Blog, we try to do what we can to stay responsive to the needs of the Laker Nation (or at least that portion that hits the site).  With that in mind, we're asking you to tell us what works and what doesn't so that heading into next season we can continue helping the blog grow.  All subjects are welcome.  What do you want to see more of?  Less?  How can what's there be made better?  For example, in Extra! posts, do you like that we link to every freakin' Laker item we can find, or do you consider all those articles (which may include four or five game stories) to be clutter?   More interviews?  Fewer?  Video?  Podcasts? 

Think big, think small.  We might not be able to incorporate every suggestion, but at least we'll have a better handle on what the public- that would be you guys- want out of the site.  Thanks.

AK and BK     

... It's perhaps "Dust That Puppy Off Time."

First, some quick news.  You'll be happy to know that Lamar Odom's shoulder surgery was a flying colors success.  And now, to put it in "Dr. Phil speak," begins the healing.  About 10 days worth of sling time, then four months of rehab.  Assuming everything goes as hoped (and LO doesn't need knee surgery), he should be balling come mid-September. 

But when Lamar arrives at camp in October, will he be receiving instruction from the assistant coaches he's come to know and love?  Not a given.

As most of you probably know, Dirk Nowitzki was officially named MVP, creating quite possibly the most awkward award presentation since Marlon Brando opted to send this young lady to accept his "Godfather" Oscar.  As most of you probably also know, when it comes to hardware voting, Lakersblog readership tends to rabidly endorse one Kobe Bean Bryant (who came in third, garnering two first place votes) and spit on the candidacy of Nowitzki and his buddy Steve Nash (whose second place finish marked the end of a back-to-back reign).  For that matter, most of you ain't too keen on anyone besides Kobe winning, period.

This probably wasn't the best year to be Mitch Kupchak.  After a burst of solid play to cap off the '05-'06 regular season followed by the near upset of the Suns in the first round of the playoffs, there were reasons to be optimistic in El Segundo about '06-'07.  Not quite Larry O'Brien optimistic, but the train was headed in the right direction and maybe with a player here or there and a couple breaks, postseason advancement was a possibility.  Downer that I am, I wasn't buying anything more than a first round exit in the ever-brutal Western Conference, but I did believe they'd be a little better than the year before.  Not that much, but better.  And for forty games or so, I looked like some dude with a keyboard who grossly undestimated the Lakers. 

I think we all know what happened next

In news that will come as a surprise to nobody, Lamar Odom will undergo surgery to repair the torn labrum in his left shoulder.  Depending on the damage, the recovery time could be in the neighborhood of four months.  Hopefully less.  The good news is that'll give him plenty of time to have knee surgery, too.  There are discounts if you buy in bulk.  It's also no surprise to see many of Phil Jackson's assistant coaches up for head gigs around the league.  There's a ton of experience on that staff, and the three guys mentioned- Brian Shaw, Kurt Rambis, and Jim Cleamons- are all well respected.

BK

As Laker fans get deeper into the offseason, heads full of team-improvement schemes, expect to see plenty of articles like this one, pointing out a) that the Lakers need some serious help and b) nobody is tripping over themselves to give it to them, the NBA being a strange combination of cut throat business and catty high school.  Maybe Jim Buss can help in the reconstruction project, as he continues his rise through the organization.  By the way, what ever happened to the Lazers? 

BK

The Lakers' second half swan dive didn't just cost them a crack at a higher playoff seed, but also a legitimate shot for Kobe Bryant to win the MVP.  When the Lakers were 26-13, looking like a team that could hang with the Houstons and Utahs in the solid second tier of Western Conference squads, led by a Bryant who was shooting well, passing and generally helping an undertalented squad play to the best of its potential, Bryant was being lauded in many circles for playing perhaps the best hoops of his career. It was certainly the best I'd seen him play.  Had the MVP voting taken place at that point, he'd have been a favorite.  Then the injuries hit and the team went into the tank.  Kobe was forced to carry the team offensively for massive stretches, bringing his percentage and efficiency down and using up the energy the Lakers would need him to have in the playoffs just to make them. 

Still there were plenty of great moments (the string of 50+ games, for example) and a season's worth of outstanding play.  In the end, though, Kobe was left with another scoring title, and not much else beyond deep frustration at the state of the team.  I do think Kobe went a long way towards changing the perception of his game and how he can adjust his play to lead and instil confidence in those he plays with.  It's a shame we didn't get a chance to see how it could have played out over a full season, but the real test will come when (lord willing) there's a better supporting cast around him.  I think he's up to it- the prospect of more seasons like the last three has sharpened his focus on winning- but there will always be doubters.  Still, however you slice it, it's hard to argue with Kobe's production this year.  GRADE: A

Maybe Kobe is worried he won't get an A from me when his report card is delivered on Friday, and feels the need to sneak in one more accolade.  The things people will do to impress the Lakers Blog, you know?  Anyway, congratulations to Bryant for being named to his fifth All-NBA first team on Thursday after receiving 128 of 129 first place votes from the media ballot casters.  Kobe was joined by Steve Nash, Amare Stoudamire, Tim Duncan, and Dirk Nowitzki.  Sucks to be an Eastern Conference superstar. 

BK

It's difficult to imagine that Lamar Odom could someday have a tougher year as a pro than the one he just finished.  The tragedy of losing his infant son in the offseason was compounded by an injury riddled regular season, a disappointing record and quick playoff exit.  On the court, Odom was playing arguably the best basketball of his career in November (18.3/8.2/5.0 in November) before suffering a knee injury on December 12th in Houston.  He came back after missing 21 games, but wasn't quite the same guy, reverting to the more inconsistent, too-often-unassertive L.O. that has frustrated fans and coaches throughout his career.  The year got tougher still when Odom tore the labrum in his shooting shoulder, costing him five more games and limiting his ability to knock down jumpers for the rest of the year.  Still, Odom established himself as a team leader, someone unafraid to say when he felt the collective effort wasn't enough, always while pointing the first finger at himself and his mistakes.  And in the postseason, L.O. tried to pick up his game, recording five double-doubles and hitting the glass hard (two 16 rebound games).

Report Card: Give Kwame Brown credit. There are many ways folks will describe his career, but "boring" ain't one of them. There always seems to be something to discuss when it comes to the team's starting center. Off the top of my head, this season alone featured a myriad of injuries (one of which prompted Phil Jackson to implement prop comedy to cajole a return), a brilliant Game 3 sandwiched between four other pretty ordinary playoff efforts, and an off-court incident that really ... wait for it ... takes the cake. 

Came up with that all by myself, folks. Such witticisms are just one reason I make a living as a writer.

There are exit interviews of the "Have a great winter, see you around the facility, looking forward to next year!" variety, and then there are true exit interviews.  As in, "Turn in your keys and parking pass, leave an address with the secretary so we can forward your mail."  For Smush Parker, his definitely falls in the latter category.  While he didn't flat out say, "I'm not coming back next year," Smush made it pretty clear he didn't expect to be return, and if there was any doubt, P.J. would soon put it to bed.  Parker won't be resigned, and there will be few tears shed among the Laker faithful, given that the pride of Fordham had become a lightning rod of criticism since the last few games of the '05-'06 playoffs.

Or does it feel like the NBA is hoping that if they put if off long enough, fans will forget there's supposed to be an MVP and they'll escape the awkwardness of having to present it to expected (and currently humiliated) winner Dirk Nowitzki?  Last year, Nash got his trophy during Game 1 against the Clippers (and it's not like the info was sprung on people that day).  Here we are now with some second round series already at Game 2 and we still don't know who even won, much less when the hardware is being handed out.  Seriously, what's up with that?  I'm waiting for David Stern to be asked about this during a Spurs-Suns game and answer with a quick, defensive, "We already said who won," followed by a "Dude, if you don't know, I'm not telling," when pressed with the obvious followup.

 

  Report card: The end of Walton's season garnered most of its headlines for news that he wasn't dating Britney Spears- Luke's got a steady lady, but it's nice knowing if things go bad, a post-rehab, head-shaved wacko on a public rebound from this guy remains an option- but the early ink was all about his improved play.  Phil Jackson expected to use Billy Boy's to spell Vlad Radmanovic, but Cat Stevens' training camp began on a lousy note and he never picked up his game.  In the meantime, Luke bumped his stats in just about every major category and his November was ridiculous from behind the arc.  And when Lamar Odom went down, he did a solid job picking up some slack.  The additional heavy lifting caused by Kwame Brown's simultaneous absence eventually took its toll on Walton, who began struggling before suffering his own ankle injury.  Upon returning, his now-slower step (combined with a bad finger) conspired to crap up his playoff series.  He remains a defensive liability and is likely better served coming off the bench.  But there's no arguing his value as a role player (considering how the team struggled almost immediately after he began watching games in civvies), especially in a system like Phil Jackson's, which caters to his strengths.  I think Luke is smart enough to realize that he wouldn't thrive on certain teams and all indications seem to point towards him resigning with the Lakers.  Assuming the dough's not outrageous, good news for both parties.  And good news for Britney, who could use a local source of inspiration during this difficult time.  Final Grade: B-

-AK

Luke Walton's exit interview is located below the jump.

Report Card: It's somewhat hard to evaluate how Ronny truly played this season, since he was so clearly phoning it in with such zombie-like enthusiasm.  Kidding.  Actually, I think Turiaf was the team's most improved player, especially during the season's second half when the Lakers were low enough on big men that Michael Clarke Duncan almost got a ten-day contract.  The balls-out energy one expects from Turiaf was always on display, but a 12-15 foot jumper began to fall with more regularity and he led the team in blocks per 48 minutes.  I have my doubts as to whether he could- or really, should- start at power forward in the near future.  Turiaf's frenetic style often provides a huge lift, but playing with reckless abandon can  result in being a foul machine.  As it stands, Ronny would struggle to play 30 minutes (much less 40) without a DQ.  A middle ground would need to be found, and who knows how that would affect his performance (or if the skills are even there to begin with, since he's often a more energetic defender than a truly effective one).  But no matter what Turiaf's role is next season, he's proving himself both with his play and as a teammate.  Plus, he maintained a high standard of sideline-dancing even in the face of increased minutes.  That's dedication.  Final Grade: B

-AK

Ronny Turiaf's exit interview is located below the jump.

Ever since May 5th, I've been carefully watching developments around the NBA, scouring the web for late breaking headlines, word of a loophole unveiled, or some kind of newly uncovered rules infraction that turns the world of hoops upside down.  But now that every second round playoff series has either begun or is scheduled begin later tonight, I've resigned myself to the following conclusion:

The Lakers are indeed out of the playoffs, that's just not going to change and there you have it.

Now I don't know about every Lakersblog reader, but I always keep watching the playoffs, even after my Purple and Gold have been bounced.  It's not always the most entertaining of experiences (Spurs vs. Nets for the 2003 crown, anyone?), but I love me some roundball, so I'm gonna stick around.  But like anything with sports, it always helps to have a rooting interest.  Thus, here are the top 3 teams I'm now hoping capture the Larry O'Brien. 

Report Card: I feel for Sasha.  He's a nice kid.  He works very hard.  He really wants to help the Lakers.  And I really want him to help the Lakers.  I'm just not convinced he ever will.  His progress over three years is pretty standstill at best.  Yes, this season's 4.3 ppg represents (scarily) a career high, but it's in part because 39.7% from the field also represents (scarily) a career high for a guy known primarily as a shooter.  In the meantime, his minutes dropped considerably, his play making skills are minimal and his defense is more about frantic effort, fouls and "the face" than really stopping anyone.  As BK and I have often theorized, a big reason Sasha still has believers among the Nation has more to do with likable earnestness (especially when compared to a brooding Smush Parker) than any flashes he's shown.  Honestly, I think Sasha's obvious desire to succeed is often his Achilles heel, prompting him to force the action (and often poor results) .  Ironically, he might actually start playing better if he stopped giving an "eff."  I've recommended everything from smoking to hypnosis as a means of relaxation.  Whatever methodology, I can't imagine he's got more than one more season to figure it out in a Laker uni.  Final Grade: D+ 

-AK

Sasha Vujacic's Exit Interview is below the jump.

Report Card:  Smush Parker's first season as a Laker starter was a roller coaster, so it's only fitting that the guy who eventually took William Henry's job during an inaugural (and rookie) year would experience a similar ride.  Jordan Farmar's day one presence in the rotation as Parker's backup surprised some and his solid second unit play (combined with Smush's early struggles) led to mid-season lineup switch speculation.  But instead of joining the first unit, Farmar proceeded to struggle, eventually finding himself glued to the bench or donning a D-Fenders uni.  But the junior circuit success actually bolstered his confidence and when Smush suffered an April meltdown, Farmar found himself a playoff starter.  From there, it was up and down all over again. 

But during all the trials and tribulations, Farmar displayed a nice combo of promise, smarts and work ethic, plus an iron will when in over his head (which was occasionally the case).  He also has a tendency to telegraph passes, get burnt defensively and generally try to do too much, which is why I'm not sure the front office is convinced he's ready for full-time work running the '08 show.  But whether he starts or plays off the pine, it's reasonable to think Farmar can improve upon a nice foundation built during his rookie campaign.  Final grade: B-

-AK

Jordan Farmar's Exit interview is below the jump.   

Report Card: There are moves Mitch Kupchak made that deserve questioning and moves that deserve praise.  The 2006 draft day trade of a late second round pick for Maurice Evans definitely falls into the latter category.  Before a knee injury took a visible toll, Evans did a nice job as the Lakers' best bench asset, providing serious energy, solid D and some scoring (albeit the type that's often more than a little streaky and sometimes featured some shot-happiness).  Were his passing and ball handling skills merely "decent" as opposed to "often shaky" Evans might have had a shot at displacing Smush Parker as a defensive "point guard in name only" starter.  Unfortunately, once Mo's knee done swole up, his quickness and shot were never quite the same.   But all in all, Evans delivered what you expect from a role player.  Quality minutes and a willingness to do what's asked.  Assuming he can remain healthy, he's a good guy to have around as the Purple and Gold look to regroup.  Final Grade: B

-AK

Maurice Evans' exit interview is below the jump.

  More out of necessity than design, Andrew Bynum jumped from 46 games averaging 7:24 minutes a night in '05-'06 to 82/21:53 this season.  Not surprisingly, considering he's still, like, eleven years old, the quality of those increased minutes were all over the map.  Month to month, game to game, quarter to quarter, possession to possession, he wasn't often the same player, mixing in moments of great promise with stretches that would have Laker fans worrying about his future the same way some might fret over social security benefits.  When the day comes to collect, will the goods be there?  When he was good (during a relatively strong January, for example) Bynum showed soft hands inside, quick feet, and a nose for rebounding and blocking shots.  There's no question that athletically, he's got the stuff.  And even when he wasn't producing offensively, he still tended to stay aggressive on the boards and in shot blocking (his per 48 rebounding numbers led the team).  I liked that he started using a short face-up jumper from the high post later in the year.  Didn't generally go in, but he showed the confidence to try.  I do think he tired out as the season went on, evidenced not just by high profile stats, but the serious drop off in his FT% in the second half.  That's indicative of physical and mental fatigue, both understandable, given his age. 

Report Card: We'll begin on a positive note. Vlad's shaggy mane and ever-changing facial hair styles provided some giggles, along with a nickname that allowed me to amuse myself ("Cat Stevens").  For that matter, he inspired quality nicknames from Kobe ("Halfpipe," "Slalom") and Phil Jackson ("Igor," "Count Dracula"), too.  Unfortunately, that's pretty much the highlight of Radmanovic's season.  The pre-season hand injury may have hurt any chances of a flying start, but he still spent of lot of time freelancing instead of trying to work within the offense.  And he capped everything with a beyond stupid off the court injury (and an even stupider explanation).  Vlad is the first to say his play and season were awful, so I don't feel bad agreeing with him.  He does seem fairly determined to play better for the Lakers.  Which works out fantastic, because with his trade value now just slightly higher than Darius Miles' and Mike Dunleavy's, he'll be a Laker for a while.  Final Grade: F

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Vlad Radmanovic's exit interview is below the jump.

Report Card:  Brian Cook became the Laker equivalent of a third down back or a situational lefty.  A limited player whose role is almost entirely defined by circumstances.  If you need scoring (and hopefully in a hurry), he plays.  If you need anything other than scoring (especially D), he usually sits.  Such irregularity  explains in part why Cook's stats dropped in almost every category.  Ultimately, he gives you exactly what's expected, but little more (and really, my biggest issue with Brian Cook is that he's not Josh Howard, although that's more Mitch Kupchak's fault).  It'll be interesting to see what happens with Cook.  He just inked a three-year extension, but it's reasonably priced, which means he could be a part of a swap.  Lotta teams can use a 6'10" guy with three-point range. Then again, until Vlad Radmanovic starts hitting shots, so do the Lakers. Final grade: C-

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Brian Cook's exit interview is located below the jump.

Report Card: I'm not gonna waste much time with analysis, considering the guy may not have actually taken part in a scrimmage, much less played a minute of regulation '06-'07 PT.  That's about as "Inc." as they come.  A crummy year for Chris Mihm, who's been busting ass to rehab one mofo of an ankle injury.  But it sounds like things are finally moving at a promising pace.  And given the Lakers' limited financial resources (which make a "Bird Rights" 7-footer appealing), that Mihm will obviously take a pay cut no matter where he goes (and if he's looking to showcase himself for a bigger contract, it would help to play in a familiar system) and he likes it here, I wouldn't be shocked to see Mihm on the roster next season, health provided.  Final Grade: Inc.

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Mihm's exit interview is below the jump.

The first step in solving a problem is often to agree that the problem exists.  Well, down in El Segundo, everyone is on board the Problem Train, so to speak (seeing the hoops epicenter of California, normally a SoCal staple, currently fixed in Oakland helps drive the point home, to be sure).  The second day of exit interviews put an end to the '06-'07 season, and the optimism with which it opened is clearly a distant memory.  Kobe Bryant reiterated his desire for the team to get back to an elite level, PDQ, saying he doesn't want to wait anymore.  After all, as Tom Petty said, it's the hardest part.  Mitch Kupchak said the team will do whatever they can to make things better, though given their salary cap issues and relatively unappealing personnel, that's easier said than done.  Still, he'd better hurry, since 24 isn't the only one getting restless.  Everyone not having Kobe, Bean, or Bryant somewhere in their names is potentially available (should you know a GM looking for such information), though Lamar Odom and Andrew Bynum, two of the more appealing Laker assets, hope they'll stay put.  One guy who won't be back?  Smush Parker.  Not that he'll be missed by most fans.  Bringing back Chris Mihm is a possibility, especially since he'll likely come at a discount.   

Report Card: When Shammond Williams was signed during the off-season, I wasn't convinced he'd end up getting much run, despite the lack of quality point guard competition.  And he didn't, in part because getting hurt during training camp quickly put him behind the 8 ball, which led to Jordan Farmar snagging Smush Parker's back up role.  But as a reasonably solid series against Phoenix showed, it might not have killed Phil Jackson to play him a little more.  Granted, I don't think Williams would have ultimately made much, if any, difference, but as Bluto put it when Pinto asked why that was his pledge name, "Why not?"  (Make sure to use Belushi's drunken voice for the full effect.)  Either way, Shammond did a decent job during his limited minutes, but he didn't really make much of an impact.  Good interview, though.  Dude's very thoughtful and has a voice made for radio.  Final Grade: D+ 

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The exit interview is below the jump.

As some of you may remember, BK and I doled out "report cards" at the end of last season for each player.  We also provided the transcripts from last year's exit interviews.  This year, we decided to try something new and combine them, providing each player's grade with their "adios" copy.  Some will contain "teacher evals" from both K Brothers, some just one K Bro.  First up:  Aaron McKie.

Report Card: I don't think it necessarily qualifies as "going out on a limb" to say the front office would likely take a "do over" when it comes to last season's signing of Aaron McKie.  Unless, of course, him playing 24 games over two seasons was part of some master plan (and if that's the case, I admire Mitch Kupchak's bold "outside the box" thinking, but advise another drawing board session).  Fortunately, McKie took the disappointment of what may be his final NBA stop like a pro's pro, always working hard and trying to add a positive veteran presence.  As I've said before, it bummed me out to see McKie's career wind down like this.  Sympathy won't lead to grading his play on a curve, but I respected how he tried to make lemonade out of seriously tart lemons.  Final Grade:  F/Inc.

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Hit the jump to read McKie's exit interview.

The situation facing the Lakers right now is a little like being in a locked cage with an angry bear.  Obvioiusly, something needs to be done to get out, but options for escape are limited.  And unfortunately, while coming up with a plan, you have to sit there and get mauled.  The Lakers, up against the salary cap with few attractive trade commodities (bars) after a season that went downhill fast, are definitely behind the iron right now in a brutally competitive conference (bear- just ask Dallas).  And they're getting mauled.  How they'll get out is still a mystery.  It's no secret that Kobe wants help, but the Lakers may have to figure out what to do with their own FAs, namely Luke Walton who says he'd like to stay, before making a play at anyone else's.  On the trade front, the Lakers have a couple chips in Lamar Odom and Andrew Bynum, but Kwame Brown, who would likely have to be included in any megastar deal to balance the salaries, is facing offseason ankle surgery which could limit his value.  Odom's own health issues and Bynum's quiet second half could do the same for them, too.  So who stays and who goes? 

Should they somehow convince Kevin McHale to ship K.G. to L.A., though, it's fine with Mo Evans. 

There's always hope, until there's none. And any the Lakers had left for the '06-'07 season officially expired in Wednesday night's 119-110 Game 5 loss to Phoenix, giving the Suns a 4-1 series win. It was an up-and-down loss to cap an up-and-(mostly) down (since February or so) season. Down eight after the first quarter and 12 at halftime, the Lakers mounted a charge in the third led by Lamar Odom's 16 points and got to within five in the fourth, but the energy of the Suns' big three (or four, five or six, depending on your POV) was too much for L.A. to handle. That, and a box that shows a pair of bad games from Luke Walton and Kwame Brown that left Odom basically alone on the Lakers frontline. 

So the curtain falls on the '06-'07 season ... and what now?

All the proverbial marbles.  Do or die.  "Men or boys" time.  And any other cliches you can come up with.

AK

Or "who," I should say.

Been a lot of talk heading into tonight's Game 5, and if you're a purple and gold point guard, thy ears are burning in a none-too-complimentary way.  Jordan Farmar's last minute admission into the Starter's Club was prompted more by Smush Parker's lethargic floundering than any undeniable "carpe diem" on Farmar's part.  But after a solid start, the rook's play has grown increasingly ineffective on both sides of the ball, with last Sunday's work amounting to little more than a cameo.  Phil Jackson has hinted he's  debating a new #1 one.  I'll go out on a limb and say he will actually swap in a new body.  The names bandied about include Smush, Shammond Williams, Sasha Vujacic, Maurice Evans and even yours truly (although I hope BK wasn't serious, because I'm still in L.A. and probably can't make it until just before tip off).  The truth shall be revealed in three hours.

My question: What would you do?   

"Win or go home" is a well worn playoff cliche, now reality for the Lakers.  A loss in Wednesday's Game 5 will put an end to what has been an up and down, injury filled campaign.  L.A. currently sports a -10.8 point differential in the series, so turning it around won't exactly be easy, but they have to start somewhere if they're going to avoid bringing pleasure to the Valley of the Sun.  Unfortunately, the Game 5 push is off to a sluggish start.  Kobe Bryant sat out on Tuesday getting treatment for his back, while his able-bodied teammates (not that there are many) didn't kick off practice with much intensity.  Hopefully they practiced some free throws, because the Lakers haven't taken nearly enough this series to stay sharp, indicating a lack of paint presence- penetration or post up- that needs to change. Still, Phil Jackson thinks they can get it done, and it's his job to convince them of the possibility.  All that while possibly changing starting point guards for tonight.  Busy man.