Report Card/Exit Interview: Kobe Bryant
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
EXIT INTERVIEW: You're going to want to listen to this one in its entirety. It's interesting on a lot of levels, most noteably because the veneer of patience Kobe has shown over the last three seasons seems to have officially worn off. Improvements need to be made. "I just voiced my opinion," Bryant said of his meeting with management, "and now they know that they've got to go out there to do the best that they can to try to make it happen. That's one of the things when I resigned here, they promised to build a contender, adn build a contender now. I don't want to have to wait more than I already have."
Download kobe_bryant_exit_interview_1.mp3
Kobe was pretty clear that things have to get better, and that Mitch Kupchak and the gang understand how he feels on the issue. "We have to improve in a myriad of areas," so while Bryant can't say definitively how improvements can be made given the salary constraints the Lakers are working with, he knows there are plenty of issues that can be addressed... and they need to be. As for his own "window," he didn't sound concerned. "I feel fine physically. I still eat like crap. The important thing to me is winning, now. It's not waiting, or this, that or the other." It's a question of going into the season with a reasonable shot of winning the whole thing, and then doing it. Asked about the opt out clause he can exercise in two years, Kobe replied, "I hate to even think about me going someplace else." Which is not, by the way, the same as saying "I won't go somewhere else." Just something to think about.
Telling, too, was his response to the question about making progress internally with the pieces they have. "No, something has to get done. We can't be in the same position next year."
Download kobe_bryant_exit_interview_2.mp3
Kobe said he felt guys gave their best effort. "It was a very difficult season with injury, and new guys being thrown into the rotation and trying to learn on the fly and things of that nature. It was very difficult, and I feel like they gave it their best shot," he said. As for the offense, he told a story about talking this season to Robert Horry when the Lakers played the Spurs, and Horry joked the Lakers looked like they were running the "Bermuda Triangle." It's about finding players that fit the mold and understand what needs to be done, but "it's just basketball." Asked about Phil Jackson and if he'd like see him get an extension, his reply was definitive. "Absolutely. Absolutely. The thing about coach is you know is style, you know the way he coaches, and it's proved to be effective at winning championships. So now it's just about getting players who can play for him, who are willing to play for him. If we do that, we'll be okay." In the second go-round, the two, Kobe says, are very much on the same page.
Download kobe_bryant_exit_interview_3.mp3
"This is really on "E," so we really got to put the pedal to the metal and try to do something," Bryant said. And he believes Dr. Buss feels the same way, and wants to win. "He's going to do whatever it takes to make it happen." Asked about the trade value of his teammates in terms of getting help, Kobe basically said he doesn't play GM. He had high praise of Lamar Odom ("He's a phenominal player," Bryant said, who played hurt through most of the season.) but said again the team just needs to get better. How isn't in his realm. Just needs to get done. One positive of this season, Bryant said, was that the trials and tribulations helped him develop as a leader. "It's one thing to lead when everything's going right. It's another when you've got adversity and you're struggling. That's when you're really, really tested as a leader, and try to keep the ship going."
BK
Exit Interview Outtakes
Kobe Bryant
G1: Kobe, I know that this season has been a bit of a disappointment, but I'd like to talk to you more about your role as the Antichrist.
KB: Sure. Absolutely.
G1: Now, we all know that you were involved with the Bay of Pigs incident. What were you trying to accomplish with that?
KB: [laughing] Well, to tell you the truth, that was a big let-down for me, too. World War III was the ultimate goal, but it fell short, obviously. The missiles weren't actually there at all... just illusions I had created by editing satelite footage. I was hoping that things would escalate before the whole charade was figured out, but, well... you know the rest.
G1: Would you say that failure was the biggest factor in pushing Saddam Hussein into power?
KB: How do you mean?
G1: Well, as far as global warfare is concerned, it's pretty obvious that Saddam could have been a major instigator.
KB: Oh, oh I see. Yeah, sure, I guess that could have inspired me a bit. When you think about it, who had the most potential...
G1: [interrupting and laughing] Potential... are we talking about Tracy Morg... I mean, Andrew Bynum here?
KB: [laughing] Nice catch. And try and keep the Tracy thing to a minimum, if you know what I mean.
G1: Oh, I hear ya.
KB: Anyways, Saddam had the most potential to be the next big Hitler, but what are you gonna do when the Bush Family has a personal vendetta? [shrugs]
G1: True dat. So what's next on your plate?
KB: [laughing] I don't really like ruining surprises, but let's just say that it involves some little dudes from outer space. I've also got something planned for that cake-tossing bastard.
G1: Wow, well we'll all be looking forward to that, I'm sure.
KB: [laughing and shaking his head] Oh, I'm sure you'll like it.
G1: Thanks for your time, Satan.
KB: [grinning] No problem.
***********************************************************
I won't post the entire thing again, but if you missed any of them just look in the Lamar Odom thread and do a Ctrl+S for my nickname.
Posted by: generic_one | May 11, 2007 at 11:56 AM
Thank you BK, you were unbiased and I like that, great report cards on all the players, you and your brother did a good job.
Can we now give you and your brother a final grade, for the season?
I was happier with the work you guys did last year, you also did a good job this year, but last year you took more time in player interviews, related basketball news, and things like that.
This year was more of just the extra extra and not a lot of other things.
But hey maybe you guys had more jobs than the year before, after all the lakersblog made you guys famous, so I guess we take what we can get, hahaha.
Thank you for the job that you guys do.
Posted by: lakofan | May 11, 2007 at 12:25 PM
Maybe we could send a trojan horse version of Bynum to Minnesota...then have AK/BK jump out of the life-size replica, laugh at McHale, then fly back to LA to join KG and the rest of the '08 lakers!!
Posted by: wasabi | May 11, 2007 at 12:27 PM
When's Kobe gonna start eating healthy?
Posted by: ajax | May 11, 2007 at 12:28 PM
BK,
No A+ ? Do you think Chicago would give up Wallace (huge contract), Nocioni (if he resigns), and Duhon for Farmar, Kwame (expiring contract), and Bynum? Or how about a straight up trade inolving Vlade for Earl Watson?
Posted by: fkillah | May 11, 2007 at 12:33 PM
Kobe grew up this year and came into his own. Strong leadership, unselfish play at an awesome level, and no blame on anyone else.
Now its up to young Jim and his manservant Kupcake to do the same. They've got to do WHATEVER it takes to field a team around #24 that will allow him to really use his talents for both a personal MVP and a championship for the Purple and Gold.
Kobe proved he was up for the challenge and willing to do whatever it took.
Now its on you young Mr Buss. You gonna man up?
Posted by: Jay Jay | May 11, 2007 at 12:39 PM
Kobe's production, point wise, will not translate into championships. Too many forced bad shots, and hot-dog 360 spin-reverse fall away off balance jumpers, undermines the flow and chemistry of the team. Kobe can go for 50 but it's wasted. Build the team for the future, around Andrew, Jordan, Lamar, Luke, and replace Kobe with young team players, and let Kobe go disrupt somebody else.
Posted by: mike | May 11, 2007 at 12:39 PM
LA guy
Idiocy is reading without comprehensing.
Making alegations about stuff nobody had mentioned.
And you are guilty here of both paterns.
Read again, dude.
If you can't grasp well the concept...
Read again and again, and again.
If that doesn't solve your misunderstanding....
Give it up.
Even idiots can recognize sometimes that they are hopeless.
I sincerely hope , that in you case, reality isn't worst than that.
Posted by: jorema | May 11, 2007 at 12:41 PM
If we can't get a big name free agent point guard, what does anyone think about bringing back Chucky Atkins. He's a free agent. I kinda like when he was here a couple of years ago. He would be an upgrade over Smush and would spell us until Farmar is ready. Then we could focus on getting a big name big man in free agency or trade.
Posted by: X-Man | May 11, 2007 at 12:57 PM
I think Kobe did an admirable job this season. Not so much the in court stuff...which I personally think he can still improve (stay with your man Kob!) But the off court stuff. He's done a better job as leader of this team, when they're stinkin up the joint, he took them aside and talked to them, pumped them up when needed.
I believe him when he says he really doesn't want to have to shoot that much, and if the beginning of the season was any indication, he doesn't. However if there's one thing Kobe is, it's that he does what it takes to win. I don't think anybody questions how he singlehandedly brought us to the playoffs...however once there it was a matter of running out of gas.
Improvements...I'd like for Kobe (all nba defensive team)...to work out with his mates and get them to play defense. Defense is what wins championship and not only do we not play a lick of it (most of the time) it seems like we don't know how either. We aren't "smart" in recognizing situations, of communicating, I think after playing in many championship teams he's got a lot of knowledge he can impart on others. Like Eddie Jones and Byron Scott taught him. Defense is also a matter of being together, of playing for each other...I think it would go a long way if he could get the team outside of the training camp and stuff, to play together, to watch film together, hang out or something. Develop that chemistry, that togetherness.
One thing I do like is that how his "work ethic" seems to be spreading to his teammates. LO of years past (and this is undoubtedly up for debate) would probably not have played through pain...not to mention the tragedy (though in that sense, we would agree with that)...but this year, not only has he grown as a man, as a basketball player, as a leader, he's also grown in the toughness department. Kobe has always played with injuries, and he I think in part shown that you have to, you can...and I think some of his teammates followed his lead in that sense. Talking to Socks about watching films of greats and their moves with him, is very very valuable. The importance of hard work should never be overlooked and Kobe's a testament to that, so Socks take notice lol.
P.S. Off topic, but as a member of the "55 or bust" am I suppose to bust? lol, jk.
Posted by: Faith | May 11, 2007 at 12:59 PM
i wish kobe wasn't so myopic when playing, he tends to do to much of one thing , instead of letting it come to him.
that's my only criticism of him at this point, that, and the fact that his isolation often times stops the effective ball movement that is made. (the ball stops once it reaches his hands) Continue to pass kobe, and not only for assists, but for continuity as well!
Still, kobe is a wonderful player, who will continue to develop, and eventually lead us to the promise land. I hope!
Posted by: adam kiley | May 11, 2007 at 01:19 PM
I know what I saw last year, but I don't know all the details behind what I saw. I don't really know where people were really trying to play hurt or making excuses. Smush is one thing, but most of the other guys were hurt at one time or another. That is why I can't say a lot about most of the others - including Vlad. Those evaluations I have to leave to Mitch, Phil & staff, and Kobe - they know all the details.
That said...I take Kobe's statements to mean he doesn't want anyone back who showed any lack of improvement or heart. I honestly don't think he was talking about talent - just desire and heart.
I think that is where the trade scenarios start this summer. Even if some of the trades don't net people we think make that much of an upgrade, we should be careful that they may be made to clear out some 'dead wood'. Don't assume that other teams can't identify some of this 'dead wood', so we may be just trading some problems in some cases - hoping a change of scenery will help both parties (like Smush).
With all this talk of desirable players we should be careful to identify those who are likely to function well in the triangle offense. Also, think defense - defense - defense.
I really don't want to comment specifically until we get near 1 July (after the draft). By then we may have made a trade or two and we will see how the landscape is changing.
Posted by: Craig W. | May 11, 2007 at 01:25 PM
Faith- as always your posts are well thought out even though we will never agree on kobe or defense wins championships. Defense ALONE doesnt win anything. Ask Houston.
Posted by: Laker Lover | May 11, 2007 at 01:26 PM
With our salary cap situation the way it is, I think we need to take a gamble on a player. I think we should take a gamble on Ron Artest. May trade Kwame or Vlade and Sasha. On the floor he is the type of player that Kobe wants and needs, it's just his off the court issues that would be the gamble. Then we could have him start at the 3 and let Luke come off the bench.
Posted by: X-Man | May 11, 2007 at 01:32 PM
Yes I'd agree Kobe deserves an A scoring wise. But a D on being a team player. I've watched him ever since he was a rookie. Until now he hasn't changed a bit. He's selfish. Yes he's dominating. Dominating to a point he leaves his teammates to stand around and watch him shoot those "great" shots. Almost every possesion he demands the ball. When his teammates dont pass it to him, he gets mad. Makes it seem to them that it was their fault for missing a shot. Now he demands trades. For who? Jermaine? Garnett? Sure they'd make a good combo, but it just isn't worth giving up Bynum and more likely Odom. Odom is the most likely concerned about for me, he is the one who keeps the team playing together. The thing I like about his approach is, he is a team first kind of player. He is the distributer like Luke. What's wrong with his points and rebounds? He averages 15pts 10rebs. Not bad for a small forward playing power forward. To me, he's the original leader of that team. Once he gets traded man, forget the Lakers. I am never going to watch them ever. I can already predict what's going to happen. Once they get JO or KG, it's going to be a two man game for now on. Forget the rest of the guys because that era is not going to be about winning, its purely entertainment. So for all you "Die hard Laker fans" willing to give up the team for one guy, enjoy the show.
Posted by: BlackMamba24 | May 11, 2007 at 01:55 PM
X-Man: I don't think Chucky is the answer. He may be a little more consistent with his shot, but otherwise he's virtually the same as Smush. I think there are some other point guards out there we might be able to get like Steve Blake or Charlie Bell (if the Bucks screw up and don't re-sign him).
Faith: I think that it's pretty evident that Kobe making the Defensive Team was by reputation only. But, I think that might inspire him a bit to live up to that nomination next season. Well, at least we can hope. I definitely agree with you that they need to work on that as a team. He can really only do so much, and seeing as how he's the vet, it's up to him to get the job done.
And no, I don't think you're supposed to "bust." Now that that's out of the way, I think a Beavis "Bust... that's like... awesome" comment is in order. Whoops, already happened.
Craig W: I think you're onto something there, what with the whole change of scenery trades thing. I'd tend to agree. I think if we were able to get some minor upgrades for players with better attitudes and work ethics, we'd be in a much different place right now.
Posted by: generic_one | May 11, 2007 at 01:59 PM
Kobe and LO just aren't good enough. THey both have pride in their game and a solid work ethic but the problem is money. They make so much there's not enough left in the team wallet for that 3rd guy that would take them up a couple of nothces.
This isn't about players or coaching moves or those other intangibles we whine about, this is about managing money. The Lakers are just a buck short of where they need to be but, unlike in Jerry West's day, they're capped. Kobe puts people in the stands, so he deserves the money, but that has nothing to do with it.
Should the players really have to take a cut to win a championship? Is this salary cap concept workin'? With a perspective Spurs / Pistons matchup about to bore the nation, maybe the salary cap should be addressed again. It's capitalist treason. This is Hollywood, we should be able to lose as much money as we want to in pursuit of the big prize.
Posted by: Vman | May 11, 2007 at 02:03 PM
The system is broken. Until that gets fixed, nothing is gonna work. Didn't we learn that with Karl Malone and GP? How in the hell do you field that kind of talent and NOT win a ring??? If we couldn't win with them, how in the hell do we expect to win with Kwame, Bynum, ad nauseum? Coach Phil, I implore you to dump the triangle and come up with a new system that works in the 21st century, with 21st century players. You have the vision and the experience. DO IT. That will be your legacy. Stop living in the past. Ever notice how nobody talks about our three consecutive championships anymore? How nobody talks much about Jordan's accomplishments? This is not denigration. It's moving forward into the future.
Posted by: juststartover | May 11, 2007 at 02:05 PM
Kobe Bryant Report Card:
Passing B
Rebounding A-
Scoring A+++
Agility A
Speed A
Vertical A
Defense B
Durability A
Hustle A
Basketball IQ A-
Consistency A
Coordination A+
Likeability/Chemistry B
Leadership B+
Notes:
Final grade is A. If Kobe had some REAL NBA starters to play with at the 1,3 and 5 positions, all of his grades would be A's.
Conclusion:
PASS. He singlehandeldly got the Lakers into the playoffs with his historic scoring binges. The team was losing at a horrific pace with Kobe attempting to be the fascillitator. Kobe, along with the COACHING STAFF, decided that the only way to stay in the playoffs (due to injuries and poor play of his teamates) was to set KOBE LOOSE. He continually shot over double and triple teams, shot ridiculously long three pointers, and aggresively demanded the ball on almost every single posession. Lakers finally started to win some games.
This strategy had adverse effects as well, as his teamates who lacked confidence to begin with (Kwame, Luke, Smush, Sasha, Cook, Drew), started to lose even more confidence. Kobe needs some teamates to take some pressure off of him (i.e. LO and Tuiriaf), not players (Kwame, Luke, Smush, Sasha, Cook, Drew) that put even more pressure on his already long list of reponsibilities.
Kobe has received alot of unfair criticism on this blog for "ballhogging" during the playoffs, yet it was that same "ballhogging" strategy that saved the team from missing the playoffs. Those fadeaways over double teams were the same shots that got us into the playoffs, and now many of you are upset that he didn't trust his teamates enough. It doesn't work both ways people! The most important thing is Kobe has shown that he has the ability to trust his teamates based on the first 2/3 of the season, as long as they are performing (and not injured). Next year, with Lamar back healthy and possibly adding two to three new starters on the team, Kobe will be back to the fasillitator mode, and the Lakers will contend once again.
Posted by: mitchell | May 11, 2007 at 02:07 PM
Phenomenal.
Posted by: Kobe Apologist | May 11, 2007 at 02:17 PM
Me, like Kobe, doesn't want to hear this, that and others. No excuses now, I just want the Lakers to get things down, and finally build a title contender around Kobe.
Posted by: gdchild | May 11, 2007 at 02:25 PM
x-man-
You're kidding right?
Chucky is NOT the answer and I agree with generic_one.
I thought he was almost worse than Smush.
Posted by: keifo | May 11, 2007 at 02:28 PM
Vman,
There is definitely enough money to get a third All-Star-type guy on the team even with Kobe and LO's contracts. Hell, we'll be paying Kwame $9 million this year. There are plenty of guys around the league making that or less that could be huge on this team. I think Kupchak thought Kwame could be that third piece by the time this year rolled around, and that's why he gave him the extension. It didn't work out (obviously).
We need to find a team with an All-Star caliber player who has a similar salary to Kwame's and they are looking to shed payroll. They're out there, Kupchak just has to get creative.
Posted by: Andrew Z | May 11, 2007 at 02:38 PM
Anderw Z,
That is an oxymoron. Creative Cupcake.
Posted by: mitchell | May 11, 2007 at 02:43 PM
Notice that the teams left in the playoffs spell team as TEAM. Most of the individually starred teams are gone.
This is something we should remember when we are clamoring about more stars for the Lakers.
We don't need more stars. We need more PLAYERS. Mitch has been doing pretty well the last few years in the draft. Where he has failed is in picking up complimentary, veteran pieces for the club. This is exactly where we are the weakest. If Mitch recognizes this and is able to do a better job this year, then he deserves to stay. We should be able to judge this by the trading deadline next year.
Remember Detroit, San Antonio, Golden State, Utah. these are teams with no more than one star - and the rest support the team in multiple ways. How to put this mosaic together for the Lakers is the real question this year. Since it doesn't require a star, I subscribe to the notion that it can be done.
Posted by: Craig W. | May 11, 2007 at 02:47 PM
REPOST
zen,
“This whole MVP argument is rediculous!! It's really this simple: Win your division and be the best player on your team. If you do that, you have a great chance at MVP.
It's not that hard to figure out. Every MVP's team has won their division.
Kobe has only been the best player on his team, but his team needs to win the division or conference for him to have a chance.”
I couldn’t have said it better. you usually have to be on a winning team to be MVP.
albert,
“We even managed to win one more game than defending NBA champions.
This should console you , my fellow Lakers fans ! LOL”
Who was the defending champs again??
gdchild,
“Ben Gorden (sp?) just said in the interview before game 3 vs the Pistons that Kobe should be the MVP this season.”
it’s a good thing that the players aren’t voting for the MVP. you can’t be a regular season loser and be the MVP. doesn’t make sense.
Posted by: KL "the beast" | May 11, 2007 at 02:48 PM
"We need to find a team with an All-Star caliber player who has a similar salary to Kwame's and they are looking to shed payroll. They're out there, Kupchak just has to get creative"
Andrew that player is Ron Artest... Ron has been an AllStar... I believe that Ron will fit in great on this team personally....He will be a better 2nd option than Lamar is... Lamar will be more comfortable being the 3rd string player...
The trade for Ron ROn and Shareef makes sence for both teams...
Lakers trade away Kwame Brown, Brian Cook, Mo Evans....
Kings get athletic and big at the 5 spot which they have wanted so long plus they get Cook who's a deadly shooter, and Mo Evans back whom they are very familiar with (played with Sac before)...They get to part ways with players that have contracts for the next three years in Shareef and I believe Ron has another 2 years left as well... But the fact is that they really are looking to move Ron ROn....
Than I would really consider trading Bynum for a Solid PG or SG with good ball handling skills (... SIgn Maglore to veterans Minimum and your set......
Posted by: Gino | May 11, 2007 at 02:59 PM
Kobe nee to be careful with what he saying and how he is saying it; if he don’t understand what am talking about go ask Shaq. Dr. Buss is a prideful man and want to win just as much as him but will not tolerate disrespect Kobe is in a power position at the moment Shaq was too
Posted by: coxman | May 11, 2007 at 03:03 PM
Kobe is absolutely amazing. I think sometimes it's a bit easy to take for granted what we see him do every night. He scores in more ways than anyone else I've ever seen.
With that said, that doesn't automatically translate into championships. If we keep Kobe until his career is over, we may be watching a latter-day Wilt Chamberlin. A fantastic scorer who makes your jaw drop at least once a game, but who plays a style that doesn't necessarily win in the postseason.
The one thing that bothered me about Kobe this year was how he seemed to go into games with his mind already made up how he was going to play. "Tonight I'm going to be a facilitator" and "Tonight I'm going to be a scorer". I'd like to see him develop that knack for reading the game and understanding exactly what his team needs to win in that particular situation (a la MJ in his latter Bulls years).
I like Kobe and I admire the heck out of his abilities, but I don't think he's untouchable. And I didn't like his "do something now" demand followed by "I'm not the GM". What does that make him? Answer: The Boss. That's a lot of presumption on his part.
It's going to take a lot to get this current roster to a level where we can compete with the Suns, Spurs, and Mavs next year. And frankly, I'm very skeptical we have the means to get there.
Posted by: Jason F | May 11, 2007 at 03:05 PM
Andrew Z is right. We should throw away the bad apples in the team. Kwame, Radmanovic, Paker, McKie, Cook. Mitch should start getting creative. In fact he should do what he wants to do. He should be confident in what he is trying to establish in this ballclub. He should stop listening to the media and fans that are giving him advices which is killing his Job as a GM. He should be like Jerry West and start making choices on his own beliefs. Stop letting people push you around! For example KOBE!
Posted by: BlackMamba24 | May 11, 2007 at 03:14 PM
The fact is our week link is at that 1 and 5 spot... But I really would consentrate on the 5spot if I where the Lakers, the one can easly be signed for a mid level exception... I don't think Mo Williams or Mo Peterson is worth more than the Mid level exception...
Posted by: Gino | May 11, 2007 at 03:17 PM
Frankly, I want Mitch to surround Kobe and Lamar with players that move on offense, can hit OPEN shots, and will work on defense. If they are 'no names' or if they don't have famous reps, I don't care. Kobe is the financial draw on this club (and around the league) and this is not going to change. If only Laker fans can name the players it really doesn't matter.
However, the team must win, period!
Think Detroit in 2004.
Posted by: Craig W. | May 11, 2007 at 03:20 PM
Craig W,
I think you are underestimating the talent level on the remaining playoff teams as well as the talent discrepancy between these teams and the Lakers.
Utah has FOUR former or potential allstars (Boozer, Okur, AK47, and Williams).
Detroit has FIVE (Prince, Billups, Wallace, Hamilton, Webber).
Phoenix has FOUR (Marion, Nash, Amare, Barbosa)
SA has FOUR (Dunan, Parker, Finley and Ginobli)
Golden State has two legit stars when healthy (Davis and Richardson), but this team is also deeply stacked (Harrington, Ellis, Jackson)
Even Jersey has THREE allstar calibur players (Kidd, Carter and Jefferson) and they have no chance of winning it all this year.
Phoenix has three first round draft picks. Utah, Houston and Golden State are only going to get better next year. Porland has a lot of young potential stars and Dallas will still be a contender again. The Lakers will not be able to compete at the elite level by adding a couple solid role players. We need a pretty drastic upgrade at the one, three and five positions to contend for championships.
Posted by: mitchell | May 11, 2007 at 03:22 PM
Jay Jay,
"Kobe grew up this year and came into his own. Strong leadership, unselfish play at an awesome level, and no blame on anyone else."
What!? How does kobe's ass smell. Geez. You're freekin' crazy. What leadership?? The squad basically gave up towards the end of the season. KBiatch basically said that his guys sucked (great leadership) and KB "shot, shot and then shot some more" bruant basically shot the lakers out of the playoffs. What in the hell are you talking about. My goodness. When i hear dumbass comments like that, the beast is going to call you out.
Faith,
" But the off court stuff. He's done a better job as leader of this team, when they're stinkin up the joint, he took them aside and talked to them, pumped them up when needed. "
Good observation. I did notice an attempt to mentor some of the guys at the beginning of the season.
BlackMamba24, welcome to the blog. you nailed it my friend. i will admit, kobe has gotten a little better at being a better teammate.
mithcell (mr serious),
"Passing: B"
Right. Passing "B"? Don't think so my man, unless "B" stands for ballhoging. LOL.
"Likeability/Chemistry B" and "Leadership B+"
More like "C" on both counts. "C" stands for crybaby and cheap imiations of being "like mike" with the fist pumping. BTW, kobe-ball is a great way to win championships. have you been watching the playoffs? it's a team effort, not LBJ shooting 25-30 shots a game. Look at Utah, no "superstar", but 5 guys playing as one.
Posted by: KL "the beast" | May 11, 2007 at 03:26 PM
"It's a good thing the players don't vote for the MVP"
Wait, you mean it's better that a bunch of reporters votes for it?
The way it's currently voted (best player on a divison winning team) just makes MVP the least valued award in sports. It's not a team award, it's an individual award given to one player, not a team.
Posted by: Kobe Apologist | May 11, 2007 at 03:28 PM
If the day comes that Kobe leaves the Lakers or gets traded, I will have to follow that team - and that team's blog.
I hope that day never comes.
Posted by: Kobe Apologist | May 11, 2007 at 03:38 PM
Kobe is Kobe. Now if we could only get a team around him and Lamar.
- Miguelinho
Posted by: Miguelinho | May 11, 2007 at 03:40 PM
"The system is broken. Until that gets fixed, nothing is gonna work. Didn't we learn that with Karl Malone and GP? How in the hell do you field that kind of talent and NOT win a ring???"
Easy, you have one of them dudes get a knee injury and miss the Finals.
Posted by: Sean P. | May 11, 2007 at 03:42 PM
wow, does nobody remember when kobe was playing "team ball", and the Lakers were winning, then everybody got hurt, and kobe continued playing "team ball" and the lakers kept losing (7,6 game losing streak) Then Kobe went bannanas and the lakers started playing .500 ball. Think before you speak.
Posted by: greek dude | May 11, 2007 at 03:46 PM
Hey Laker Nation what’s up. Sorry to see you go out of the playoffs. Well there is always next year.
I am a bit confused by a lot of people here being skeptical about the Garnett trade. Most pointing out that it would mean giving up too much and that two stars in today’s game is not enough for the Chip. Well all of that might be true, but if you ask me you are greatly underestimating the two stars in question. Man this is KG and KOBE ya all talking about.
Just look at his picture of KG: http://getgarnett.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/05/heart.jpg
It just says it all. In my personal opinion KG is still the best player out there besides Kobe (and may even be better I just can not choose between them) and has been forgotten because he plays in an awful team. I believe Kobe and KG is a dream that if you have the chance you don’t pass up. Forget their talent and skill, forget that KG is aging and soon Kobe will be as well. They have something that just does not die with age or fatigue. An intangible that no analysis could properly break down. DESIRE and HEART!!
Currently there is no two other players with more heart and passion for the game than those two out there. Just seeing them on the court together would fire up any scrub that plays with them (and frighten the very souls of the other team). All management would have to do is surround them with good role players who have just a quarter of the passion and skill that those two dudes have and the Lakers are set. I don’t know if they would win it all but just watching that “Journey” would be the greatest thing that happened to the NBA in a long time. I say bring it on no matter what.
Cheers all!!!!
Posted by: iksaglam | May 11, 2007 at 03:49 PM
kobe apologist,
"Wait, you mean it's better that a bunch of reporters votes for it?"
no. it's kind of a dumb award. my personal feeling is that finals MVP means more becuase it's the best players in the most important series of the season. Also, finals MVP usually is given to the champion of the NBA. that's what's more important. all of this other stuff doesn't really matter except who can piss farther.
Posted by: KL "the beast" | May 11, 2007 at 03:51 PM
mitchell,
I hear you. However, the Lakers will NOT get 2 to 3 name players onto the club next year, never mind the 2-3 supporting players necessary to back them up. Can't be done with the salary cap and players available.
The key is, How do we develop those players. 1) Identify players now on the club that have this potential and DON'T trade/release them 2) Try to find some supporting players to trade for or sign, with the idea that one of them can be developed into a higher level.
Does this equal championship next year? NO!
Does anything equal championship next year? NO!
We are in the development business, period. We do have some starting pieces. Separate the wheat from the chaff and move forward. Will Kobe be happy. Maybe, maybe not, but we really have no choice at this point. Mitch HAS to do a better job of evaluating veterans or he must be replaced.
Let's say we get KG. We will have KG, Kobe and a bunch of minimum salary players. I say that = NO RING in the same conference with S.A., Phoenix, Utah, Dallas. Let's stop kidding ourselves with a 'Knicks' quick fix and get to work.
Posted by: Craig W. | May 11, 2007 at 04:00 PM
Good job K Brothers. I thought that there were a lot of interesting things that came out from this.
By the way, in case anybody's missed it, there are a lot of people who have no sympathy for Kobe or the Lakers, and the talent level on this team. I'm sure he doesn't care about it, but he's left himself pretty wide-open to all kinds of attacks.
I'm very curious to see waht the off-season holds.
Oh, Andrew Z, unless I'm mistaken, the Hawks will lose their 1st round pick to Phoenix unless it's top-three.
Posted by: Michael A | May 11, 2007 at 04:02 PM
Great post iksaglam!!
Posted by: mitchell | May 11, 2007 at 04:04 PM
iksaglam wonders, "I am a bit confused by a lot of people here being skeptical about the Garnett trade".
From my POV, it's not what we would have to give up to get him, it's whether or not we have what it would take to get him. Remember, there are several other teams out there who will also be knocking on McHale's door with offers, and most of them will have two advantages over us:
1) They'll have more to offer than we do, and
2) They aren't the Lakers (McHale's most hated team).
KG would be fun, but I'm not going to delude myself into thinking we're realistically in the running.
Posted by: Jason F | May 11, 2007 at 04:06 PM
Jorema - the spelling, grammar, and general logic of that comment is atrocious. And you're demanding reading comprehension? What the heck are you talking about?
Posted by: LA Guy | May 11, 2007 at 04:07 PM
"Thank god for opt-outs" That's what KG said. Now do you think he would want to go to a team that traded their main guys for him? He wants to go to a team that has a chance to win a championship. That's the reason why he said "opt-outs". I believe he will opt out of his final contract to sign for less money for a chance to win. Like Malone did. Now what the Lakers need to do is trade their bench for some real players. Some blue collar guys. That will entice the Wolf to opt-out and join us in the future. Yes its a gamble. But a smart one.
There's nothing wrong with LO or Bynum. The wheel's not broken. Don't fix it. What you need to do is clean up the junk in the trunk. You dig?
Kobe demanding to make trades. That's bull. I'd really hate to be his teammate right now. Cos if I am, I'd B***H slap him. He's the one who need to take less shots and develop a "live and die with my team" mentality because that's what makes players great. Not "okay it's been 3 years and we haven't won a playoff yet so im gonna act like a lil B***H and blame it on someone else". Now can someone please name me one player hanging on the Staples center rafter that ever acted like that?? All those guys up there are hard working blue collar guys that made them superstars. They know the definition of the word "Sacrifice". Now if Kobe doesn't know what sacrifice is and wont keep his mouth shut, I say trade him to Cleveland for Lebron James. Or reunite him with his pal Shaq for D-Wade.
Posted by: BlackMamba24 | May 11, 2007 at 04:13 PM
Andrew Z
You're right. 9 million should be able to get us some consistent contributor. Although, there are some 9 million dollar busts. Mitch is gonna have to earn his lunch money, in the immortal words of Phil.
I was just day dreaming about seeing Kobe run with LO AND KG. In the old days, we could wait till KG opted out and pay him Stienbrenner money to come aboard. I'm not sure the salary cap has improved interest in the NBA. It helps the little markets but that isn't what built pro sports in the first place. I'm not for shelving it, just tweak it enough to get the next Laker great.
Posted by: Vman | May 11, 2007 at 04:16 PM
LA_Guy,
"Jorema - the spelling, grammar, and general logic of that comment is atrocious. And you're demanding reading comprehension? What the heck are you talking about?"
jormea=kobe in disguise is pretty bad. to much beer and eating Doritos watching the playoffs.
Craig W.,
"Let's say we get KG. We will have KG, Kobe and a bunch of minimum salary players. I say that = NO RING in the same conference with S.A., Phoenix, Utah, Dallas. Let's stop kidding ourselves with a 'Knicks' quick fix and get to work."
The rebuilding years are very painful. i wish kobe would of thought about that while the laker org was winning and KBiatch was complaining about stupid little things like shaq laziness. I don't matter if you're winning. KBenchPress is in great shape now becuase the offseason is much longer.........
Posted by: KL "the beast" | May 11, 2007 at 04:17 PM
Andrew Bynum's January in 15 games:
10.7 PPG
9.0 RPG
2.33 BPG
Talk about awesome #'s. And that's in 28 MPG
Posted by: greek dude | May 11, 2007 at 04:21 PM