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
Edwin, don't forget those injuries Jersey had. That had a bit to do with Toronto winning the division as well. No doubt that those guys helped TO have a better season though.
Posted by: Michael A | May 12, 2007 at 11:16 AM
Micheal A.
http://getgarnett.com/blog/
If you to to the website it explains and even shows the video of Steven A Smith talking about Kobe and KG. Kobe wasn't even on the show and GENERIC STUPID is making comments that are not even remotely true. Steven A. was just giving his opinion on the issue nothing more.
Jorema,
I have to agree with you post. Kobe does not want to mess with guys that only care about mediocrity. He wants guys that want to give it their all and improve.
Posted by: wow | May 12, 2007 at 11:18 AM
Michael A
"Jorema, just gotta say it. I like your short posts better than your longer ones, because there are fewer abuses of the language. Seriously, I'm going to give you a break and assume that English is your second language, because some of your posts are really painful to go through."
I read your post and I see a lot of typos and orthography problems, like this one:
" generic_one, I'm jsust curious as to the source of the comments you made about Kobe. When was that interview? Was Kobe talking to Stephen Smith?"
Only in this paragraph I can detect 3 problems.
Do your homework! Try to find out what is wrong.
You know what?.. you don't understand my posts because your vocabulary is very limited. I know, I use some words that ordinary guys like you, don't use in a daily base, so you feel lost.
Can YOU DEBATE MY IDEAS AND MY LOGIC?
I doubt. I continue reading your posts and judging from it, you rarely have nothing fresh to write, just the same discombobulated sentences and also too obvious.
In other words, you make a lot of noise without saying anything with substance.
To other dog with your cheapy food, dude.!
Posted by: jorema | May 12, 2007 at 11:21 AM
ALL of you that blame Kobe for everything and think Kobe's the problem, are not Laker fans, you are just Kobe haters, that are here to talk bad about Kobe and that's it.
Kobe is not the problem, he's trying to bring a championship to Laker fans that's his only goal and we should support that.
The problem with the Lakers is the organization that has made horrible mistakes through the years and is not correcting any of them because they have a scapegoat in Kobe.
Kobe finally realize if everyone is blaming him then it was time to talk and make sure the organization was listening, and eventhough Kobe did that, the Lakers will not do anything.
So WE TRUE Laker fans understand what Kobe is saying and all you haters are just plain pathetic, you don't even know what it means to be a Laker fan.
Everyone around the league says that none of the teams want to help the Lakers, well they don't want to help the Lakers because they know that if Kobe won 45 or 42 games by himself(and Lamar) without any other help and made the playoffs, then with another just another all star and good players, the Lakers will dominate again, and the other nba teams don't want that.
Like the guys at PTI said, if Kobe wins games by himself and makes the playoffs imagine if he had just good players around him?
this blog was so much better before not so many haters and pathetic people that spend hours and hours during the day just hating on Kobe, but I think they just have their comments saved and just post them every half hour just in case their point didn't get across.
And I think WE all get the point, Kobe is a bad person, a bad player, the only player responsible for this team to be that bad, Kobe should let the Lakers just be a bad team and make his money. All the other players on the team are great and excellent players, but Kobe is making them bad players with no heart. OK we get it.
Can we move on to something else, because your point is taken.
Posted by: lakofan | May 12, 2007 at 11:22 AM
What's misplace about Chris Mihm not being able to guard the lane? What's misplaced about the Lakers not going to sign Mihm unless it's for 2 maybe 3 million a year? What's misplaced about, instead of teams trying to trade for Kwame at 9 million, why not sign Mihm for 4 or 5 million?
If Mihm is better than Kwame then why not sign him instead of trading for a "terrible" Kwame like you all say? If it's about dumping salary then why don't the Lakers hold on to Kwame and dump his salary at the end of the year. I mean that's the logic people use into accepting Kwame in trading with the Lakers, right? That the team that gets Kwame is going to be able to dump his salary at the end of the year, right? Heck, if that's such an enticement then why don't the Lakers do it themselves?
My point is this: Nothing you people say makes any type of sense.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | May 12, 2007 at 11:30 AM
Michael A.
Kobe played the first 2 years with limited minutes. So, those 82 games don't coun't as real ones.
How many games play a team going to final four, dude?
Read well, before you question my logic.
Wikipedia can help you. Google-it
Posted by: jorema | May 12, 2007 at 11:38 AM
LA Guy,
Last time I checked, Lebron plays in the Leastern Conference. It must be nice to face off against a Gilbert-less and Butler-less Wizards, followed by the Nets.
Posted by: fkillah | May 12, 2007 at 11:41 AM
I know that english is Jorema's second language...she once told me (in between torrents of abuse for being a heater) that her first language is french and I shouldnt 'heat' on her for being from the shakira root.So I will leave you all to your own conclusions.
One thing I will say is that despite some dodgy spelling and questionable use of grammar Jorema's vocabulary is arguably the deepest on the blog...I as I have said before I think Jorema writes very elequently.I imagine you are very talented in your native language.
I am making the assumption that Jorema is a female name...the style appears female but If I am wrong jorema I am sorry.
Posted by: Kiwi | May 12, 2007 at 11:43 AM
Jorema, I'm guessing speed, right? Tell me it's speed. It could be coke, but you're not QUITE grandiose enough...of course, it could be just you can't write well enough to get that across.
So, I'm going with speed.
Wow, thanks, I'll check out the link.
Hey Mike T, here's an idea: instead of actually answering any points people have made on the topic, why don't you just repeat your question, and then insult somebody? Oops, too late. You got that one already, my bad. I should know better than advise the Artist how to approach an argument.
One thing I think we can pretty much guarantee: if the Lakers don't trade Kwame, they will be dumping his salary at the end of the year, in that there's no way he's getting $9 again. I hope he's saving some of that money...no doubt you have the head's up on that, being that the two of you are so close.
Posted by: Michael A | May 12, 2007 at 11:47 AM
Hey Wow, there was no video on the site, at least, I couldn't see one.
Posted by: Michael A | May 12, 2007 at 11:50 AM
Jorema,
- You are exactly what the Lakers need... Someone who's with the mambo dancer 24 all the way.
- Keep on smelling his (SNAKE24) shorts man!
Posted by: can2tinckobe | May 12, 2007 at 11:57 AM
Mike T,
Mihm has been out for at least one and a half seasons and has a history of being injury prone, so most teams would be hesistant in giving Mihm a long term or pricey contract. I think Kwame is a better center than Mihm, but I would rather take a healthy Mihm who gets about 5 million year than a healthy Kwame who gets about 9 million a year. One of the reasons why Kwame is trade bait is b/c of his expiring contract. The Lakers are looking to make big changes this offseason and they need all the trade bait they can get. Remember, the Lakers want to improve this offseason and the only way they can do that is through a trade. The Lakers can use his expiring contract themselves, but that won't help them out that much b/c both Kobe and Lamar's salary increases next season. Moreover, it is very likely that we will resign Luke this year and Turiaf next year. Therefore, we would probably be over the cap next season even with Kwame's expiring contract. Thus, his expiring contract would probably not clear significant cap space for us next season. So the best thing to do is to use his expiring contract as trade bait for a team that could use his expiring contract.
Posted by: fkillah | May 12, 2007 at 11:58 AM
Wait a second Jorema, you want me to help you with the math too? If a team makes it to the finals, they play another 6 games. A college team might play 40 games if they're really good, at 40 minutes as opposed to 48 in the NBA. Your argument still doesn't have legs.
I like your idea of games not counting as real ones. It alos ignores the fact that the level of play in the NBA demands more of you, so you're playing harder. Why do you think so many rookies have problems with the length of the season?
I'm not really questioning your logic. I'm just saying there's a hole in it you could drive a truck through. And you might have tried just using a calculator. Or just count the minutes Kobe has played in his career, it's not insignificant.
My point is that if you're saying that playing in college is just the same as the time Kobe spent in the NBA, you're just plain wrong. Deal with it.
Posted by: Michael A | May 12, 2007 at 11:59 AM
My real point is that, with or without Kwame Brown, Chris Mihm will never be the starting center for the Lakers, again.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | May 12, 2007 at 12:02 PM
Here's a legit question. What would any of us do if Kobe demanded a trade? How would we feel about him as a Laker? Who would we get in return from any team, that could even come close to being of equal value? Where would the franchise be at that point?
Live from your waflle iron
LkrFan
Posted by: PhxLkrFan | May 12, 2007 at 12:05 PM
Its Kobe day on the blog and what happens?
I expected kobe haters to scream.
What surprised me is how many "closet Kobe haters" we had.
People that never really had any negative things to say all of sudden were speaking out on how much they hate Kobe. Now don't get me wrong, nothing wrong with pointing Kobes weaknesses to all of us. But I thought it odd that, on this thread, they decided to come out of the closet.
My only take on that is, so much praise, and justifiable praise, was just too much for some to bear. No longer could they hold it in and act like they were cool with Kobe, so to speak.
The one that surprised me the most was Generic One. An easy going, humorous, and insightful poster. Totally lost it, with hatred, and a curse spewed post.All based on misinformation from Smith's rant. I saw the rant by Smith and G1 either never heard it, or misheard it. Definately had selective listening. But his reaction is what I find curious. Its not normal. Maybe G1 had a 'Mel Gibson" moment. Maybe G1 had a bad day, and he just lost his cool. Either case, it didn't sound at all like the G1 we've come to know on the blog.
Kobe has some strange power over people, you either like him or you don't.
We are watching greatness here. Even Babe Ruth had some serious faults, but the fans could still appreciate his play. And to those who hate Kobe on the Lakers. Put him on any other team and you will hate him even more. Give him some talent and tools to work with, like a Dallas and when he comes to town, his team will completely destroy the Lakers. His team will win every title. Kobe will have numerous MVP's. Kobe will be on all the covers of magazines. You will see him everywhere. For a hater, life will be miserable. Be thankful he his a Laker and he his on our side.
If he never was a Laker, we all would be trying to figure out, how could we get him to come to the Lakers
Don't kid yourself, we are looking at greatness here. Learn to enjoy the ride.
Fatty, commenting from beautiful Flagstaff, Arizona
Posted by: Fatty | May 12, 2007 at 12:09 PM
Fatty, don't even bring up Babe Ruth. That's a whole other argument. Now there's someone whose popularity I have problems with. And yeah, Kobe does seem to have a strange power over people, yourself included. Not a lot of balanced viewpoints out here, and you know what? I didn't expect many. Maybe that's how it should be when you're a fan.
Yeah, a lot of strong opinions on this one, for and against Kobe, or even just aspects of his play. I've enjoyed reading some of this stuff, and expected it would be interesting when it came up, even if some have wanted to talk about their favorite hunks instead.
Posted by: Michael A | May 12, 2007 at 12:23 PM
Who cares about Chris Mihm. I don't think anyone in their right mind thinks he will be starting for the Lakers next season anyway. And I don't see how he continues to be a topi of conversation when he hasn't played in over a year and probably won't be back next year.
The point is Kwame is likely to be traded (doesn't mean he definitely will be), because of his 9 million dollar contract that is expiring.
Think about it this way. I've been playing around with this trade on ESPN's trade machine and you can clearly see how a team like Indiana would benefit from making a trade for Kwame Brown.
Let's assume that we make this trade offer to Indiana
Kwame, Vlad Rad and Bynum and our 1st round pick for Jermaine O'Neal or KG (throw in Brian Cook if you're dealing for KG).
Jermaine is due 18 million next year and those 3 guys are due a combined 15 million, meaning they'll save 3 million in cap room when they make the trade and 12 million when Kwame's contract comes off the books. Indiana will also get a young big man to develop and another first round pick.
In the case of a KG trade the, KG makes 21 million and those 4 salaries combine for about 17 million, meaning the Wolves would save 13 million in cap room if they were to pull such a trade.
And it would work out well for the Lakers, too. We could offer Grant Hill some or all of our mid-level exception and move him into the 3 spot ahead of Luke and our lineup would look like this:
Center:O'Neal or KG (I know these guys are really power forwards but you can get way with that in today's NBA)
PF: Lamar Odom (He'd be able to fit into a comfortbalt role as a third scorer)
SF: Grant Hill (he's better on both sides of the ball than Walton despite his age, we'd have to see how he fits in the triangle; he could be the facilitator and take that role away from Kobe and Lamar)
SG: Kobe
PG: Farmar
That's a pretty solid lineup I'd say.
Posted by: Xodus | May 12, 2007 at 12:24 PM
Oh wonderful, Mike T! The old bait and switch, changing arguments in the middle. Bravo. You are an Artist.
Posted by: Michael A | May 12, 2007 at 12:25 PM
Kobe is more like Ty Cobb. Intead of spiking people he uses his elbows to break jaws and eye sockets. The problem for the Lakers is he also plays this way at practice. It is an insult to the Babe to liken Kobe to him.
I would give Kobe a B-, only because of the scoring title. TheLakers suffered in the second half of the season because of his selfish play. His inability to be a good teammate is the reason. Plaschke(sp?) wrote none of his teammates helped him up after a hard foul on him while playing the Suns in the first round. It is not the other players fault they loath him, it is a natrual reaction people have to assholes. Kobe should have been a baseball player, where individual goals, selfish personalities, and meaness are not necesarliy impediments to winning.
Posted by: Tommy | May 12, 2007 at 12:38 PM
Hey, I have been looking at the salaries that the lakers have on the books, and I have to say, cupkake hasn't done that bad of a job (see new york knicks, what a disaster). Yeah he has missed out on talent, but we were stuck with Brian Grant's 15,000,000 salary the last couple of years. The only things that look bad are Cook's contract (which was a bad signing) and Kwame's, but that is expiring and we might be able to trade him. Artest would be great, not sure if that can happen, but certainly it would not be such a bad deal for the Kings, if they really want to dump him. You would think they could get something in return better though.
One thought that I had is taking a chance on Zach Randolf. Yeah he is a headcase with a horrible contract (that may be what we have a shot at). Portland I bet would take Kwame and scrubs to rid themselves of Zbo (I would if I was them). He definatley is a good post player and rebounder, not a good passer though, which would help in the triangle. Unfortunatley it is a huge risk, because his contract sucks badly and if it does't work we are stuck.
I don't see how we could get J. Oneil, just really no chance unless he opts out of his contract or we trade our whole team for him. He is making more than Kobe is. (Same with KG for that matter).
Oh, last thought, Kobe, you want to win so bad and want management to do something about it, how about pitching 25% of your salary and convincing Lamar to do the same, make the money back in the playoffs and in endorcements. Maybe 25% is too much, but I bet there is an investment to be had there where you could make the same amount and be in the playoffs, and look like a good guy.
Posted by: jt | May 12, 2007 at 12:44 PM
tommy
Glad to see I got under your skin and got you upset. You need to get a life and learn to enjoy the ride of watching and enjoying one of the greatest players of our time. My recommendation to you is to watch the PSA commercial on TV where the worst 4 letter word we can learn is H-A-T-E.
Its robbing you of your joy in life.
jt
You can not lower your current contract salary until it runs its course. If it would help the team, I wouldn't be surprised if Kobe would do it. I wish Shaq would've taken that outlook when Kobe was here, instead of demanding 30 mil plus. Actually if both of them would've played for less, we'd still be talking titles in this town.
Exodus
We still need a solid point guard to go with Farmar. Have you heard any rumors if Grant wants to play in LA? Has his foot healed all the way? He his definately one of the quality guys in the league. If not for the injury, we would be talking HOF carreer for sure.
Fatty
Posted by: Fatty | May 12, 2007 at 01:22 PM
Tommy, that's one of the best observations I have ever heard: Kobe should have been a baseball player. His temperament is much more suited to baseball than basketball.
As you said, baseball is an individual sport: It's just you versus the pitcher. Even defense is essentially individual - you take care of your 'zone' and that's it.
I rip Kobe because he in not a good - let alone 'great' - TEAM basketball player. But in baseball, he would be one of the greatest ever. Without 4 other teammates to think about, Kobe's scoring heroics would be given their proper due in MLB.
In basketball, however, such an individual mentality is detrimental to the team's success. Jordan won nothing until he started to trust the Paxons, Kerrs and Hodges. Kobe doesn't trust his teammates, and in turn, they aren't in a hurry to help him up after hard fouls against him, or to cheer him from the bench after great plays. The body language, sadly, speaks volumes.
Tommy - great job.
Posted by: fakerz | May 12, 2007 at 01:41 PM
Well said Fatty!!
Posted by: mitchell | May 12, 2007 at 01:45 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzbph7UqZUE&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fgetgarnett%2Ecom%2Fblog%2F
Michael A,
If you still interested in the video there it is on yourtube.
Posted by: wow | May 12, 2007 at 01:56 PM
Tommy,
The problem with using Ty Cobb is that, while everyone hated him, he was still a damn consistent winner. And he is still in the hall of fame as one of the greatest all time players.
Kobe isn't nearly as nasty or hated as Ty, but he sure wants to win as much. I want him on my team every time.
Posted by: Craig W. | May 12, 2007 at 01:59 PM
On Kobe calling out the Lakers Management, It is not a new thing in the NBA. Shaq has done it and that is why they won championship. Now Management is supposed to listen to their superstar. They listened to Magic Johnson and they listened to Shaq. For Kobe to have secretly made suggestions for the management to get Baron Davis, Carlos Boozer, Ron Artest and Management stand Pat even when these guys could be had for less and to even trade Caron Butler without informing him first........That is insulting. And to think that the Lakers had a glaring problem at the point guard position and the Management could not do anything about it before the trading deadline just goes to speak about their commitment to winning. And all Kobe can do is call them out. I believe Phil Jackson is also frustuated by their inactivity and he refused to sign an extension until management gets their act right. Early in the season, Kobe said the right things to cover for the inept management. It is time to go public. Now the focus is on the Lakers management. The season ticket holders know what is going on. It is not going to be a business decision for them. They can't bring back Phil just for window dressing. You have to be bold to be a champion.
Posted by: Peter | May 12, 2007 at 02:03 PM
OK, about those TRADES....
First off the only thing I don't like about Lamar for JO is that we wind up keeping Kwame. He is dead weight and we need to "drop it like its hot."
Xodus I like your thinking but you can't equate KG and JO. JO is a sometime all-star who will help, KG is a proven all-NBA superstar who with Kobe will bring us a championship. I'd love to have JO for Kwame + Vlad (or anyone they want other than Lamar) + draft choices . But only KG is worth giving up Odom for in addition to Kwame. Either trade works for me as long as we jettison the Kwybaby in the process.
Posted by: Jay Jay | May 12, 2007 at 02:10 PM
Weaveman,
There are risks in everything that the Lakers will do this summer. If you don't change the roster and just tweak it as what they used to say then, eventually they lose PJ and then next year Kobe. If you trade LO and get a good Superstar like KG or JO but then they get injured like Vlad, this will be another circus in Lakerville. Whatever they do, will be a great risk because at this time without the b'ball accumen on the young owner, Jim Buss and the GM who've got to move but chained by salary cap and bordering in the luxury taxes threshold plus the reputation of Laker players in the league then what are you suppose to change out of little assets to maneuver. This is the problem in letting the problem grow without doing something over the years which is a curative approach rather than preventive approach by changing roster as opportunity arises like when JW traded the rights of Nixon to Byron Scott in '83 who is Scott? Meanwhile what do they do to repair the damaged course, they engage in massive PR from Jim Buss to Mitch Kupchak going around the radio stations and probably in this blog begging for patience that they will be making adjustments. Some fans are tired with those promises, they have been saying that since 2003 the first time the Lakers failed to make the Finals, then broke it up in 2004 and made terrible change gradually, they were losing legion of fans, the remaining ones are die-hard fans most of them are Kobe fans who still believe in the Buss family and Mitch Kupchak. Once you remove Kobe & PJ, this team would become a new franchise perhaps it will take 10 years to make it a Championship team
Michael A.
Raftors got their division title as a result of Nets injuries, maybe that could be the reason. What about the other teams in their division? Raftors is not an old franchise compared to Celtics, Kinicks and Sixers, so they must be doing the right moves with their new GM Colangelo. If the Lakers do not watch it, we will be the 4th franchise with the same performance of those teams mentioned. As I told Weaveman, we are performing a balancing act and this will depend on how we determine the player mix next season.
With regards to your opinion of Kobe, perhaps there are really two points of views on Mamba. some people see that others don't, whether it's positive and negative. The negatives see Kobe as pure ballhog while others see him as the highest percentage shooter. Who is right? Only history will judge the winner. Personally, I just feel as a long timed-watcher that if there was no Kobe 50 pts + this season, we would not even qualify in the playoffs. Supposing you played Nash or Baron Davis in place of Kobe with this kind of frail roster, it'd not be playoff bound. I don't blame PJ for calling them earthworms.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 12, 2007 at 02:22 PM
Weaveman,
One more thing if you were Larry Bird who made a big boo-boo in trading Artest (last year)Jackson-Harrington this year and ended up with Diogu, Dunleavy & Murphy, will you trade JO with Kwame?
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 12, 2007 at 02:31 PM
In the west, we only have one team with a multitude of superstars and that team is the Suns. They have three anyday allstars. The closest team then is the Spurs. Dallas have just one and have just developed a second. The ideal situation is to have an inside and outside all star. That is the model for championship. The Suns could not win without Amare because they did not have the inside outside game. Dallas was very lucky last year to have beaten the Spurs. One of the reason the lakers are not too far away is because they already have the best out guy you can possibly have. ALl we need now is a conistent inside prescence. Carlos Boozer would have been great but he is not going any where soon. Paul Gasol would help. JO would also be great. Kobe and Lamar are not inside out players and cannot dominate together. Teams cannot pick their poison. Teams with inside outside games forces teams to pick a poison either to let the inside dominate or the outside. This is hoping that Lakers get JO or Gasol. Even Zach Randolph with his inside game would be great inside. We thought Kwame will be an inside prescence but it has not really worked out especially on offense. When he plays well, the Lakers are hard to beat even with the low talents that we have on the team. The comfort is that around the league, the inside-outside model has not changed and that is why Maimi won last year and SA spurs or Utah might be in the finals this year. Despite all the love Dallas got they don't have an inside out side game needed to win consistently in the NBA.
Posted by: Peter | May 12, 2007 at 03:07 PM
Since just about everyone here wants Jermaine O'neal or Baron Davis:
http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_13008.shtml
They have Player options for '08. If we can just wait one more year so we can sign them without letting go our core guys.
Gilbert Arenas, Jason Kidd, Kenny Thomas, Elton Brand, Rip Hamilton, Ron Artest, Shawn Marion, Steve Francis, Tim Duncan, Brent Barry, Ricky Davis, and Bruce Bowen all have either player options or free agents as well.
Posted by: BlackMamba24 | May 12, 2007 at 03:35 PM
(This is a repost from last week with a few changes)
I really like some of your scenarios to get KG. I would absolutely love to see him and Kobe team up. But....
If I was a Minniesota Fan, and McFAIL took that trade. I would storm the Target Center with 10,000 fans(one fan for each lake in MInn.), and burn it down with McFAIL still in it. Trades, usually have to make both teams feel good. The Lakers can give us garbage with a few dunks from Kobe and we would still love em. But the Twolves can't afford too many more losing seasons, or their fan base will disappear. Kwame and a few scrubs will not help fill their arena. If they do any trade, Lo and Bynum would be demanded by Mckale, plus a few other people.
So heres my thoughts for today.
Trade Kwame for Artest, leaves Mimm, Kid Bynum, and Ronny to guard the post. Not perfect but adequate.
Still leaves us with a gap at point. Our team D from 2-4 is looking pretty good. But if we don't plug the gap with a solid point, it would be like building the castle walls strong and tall and forgetting to close the gate. The enemy runs threw the gate and the castle is lost.(our Euro friends know all about castles, and know what I mean by this, many a castles have been lost because someone forgot to lock the gate before he went to sleep)
How do we get a good point? First, my defination of a good point for us is:
!. On the ball defender
2. Shoot the outside shot when open and never miss(at least have that reputation)
3. Be able to penetrate and dish
Second; To make a deal, we must trade
Sign Luke for 5 mil and three years.
Package Luke, Cookie, and Sasha together (10.5 mil)
That should get you a very good point guard. If the point guard we want exceeds are talent level being offered, throw in our #19 pick. Those non playoff teams eat those picks up
Your wall of defenders would be the new guy, Kobe, Artest, Odom, and (Mimm, Bynum) I think you would be looking at one of the 5 best defenses in the League, and one very good scoring team. We would be a solid contender. As Kid Bynum, Farmar, Ronny, Mo and Vladimir develope, the team will only get better and tougher to beat.
This team next year will not be a lock for sure, but would have us compete for a 1-4 slot and give Kobe at least a chance in the playoffs.
If we use our MLE, we try and find a solid back up post player or Matt Barnes. If none are out there, save it for one of those mid-season released guys. We could out bid other teams, since most of them probally would've used up there MLE in the off season. As we know, those released guys always come along, and may be the piece that puts us over the top.
Honestly, if we are going to attract the Webers of the world, we must be competitive, look like we can do it with their help, and then offer them more money.
My problem with getting KG, LO, or Gasol is that it would break up our core too much. Also, not to be overlooked is the injury factor. If Kobe or KG JO go down our season is cooked. This other team could with stand injuries much better.This new unit is very good , and would be getting stronger while keeping our hopefuls. Its also cap friendly. And allows us to play some ball for years to come.
If we can't find a solid point in trade, then we will have to look to the FA market. With only the MLE, we would be very limited and might have to take a chance on a Euro. If he was a back up, I would be OK, while he learns the NBA ropes. I really would like to get a proven vet.
San Antonio has learned that you can't win every year and seem to plan to go all out every 2-3 years. They and Detroit have the best models in the league, and are worthy of our imitation. Having a dynasty is out of reach for now. We just need to be competitive next year and build off of that.
Fatty from Arizona, the guy who thinks he has all the answers. big lol
Posted by: Fatty | May 12, 2007 at 03:36 PM
LA guy
I am new to this board and I’m just getting to know everybody including you. After your “kind” remarks yesterday, I went back and read couple of your comments on recent exit interviews. I was trying to find the reason behind your remarks directed at me and some other members.
It’s evident that you are a Kobe-hater and you attack Kobe fans either with some unqualified technicalities or childish trash talk. That shows what kind of self-centered and egocentric idiot you are. You seem to be an educated writer but unfortunately narcissism has consumed your tolerance for opposition. Just too bad!
And, when it comes to realty (Nowitzki MVP vote); you are an infant.
Posted by: Cyrus | May 12, 2007 at 03:54 PM
MUST SEE:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzbph7Uq ... archive%2F
Posted by: G | May 12, 2007 at 04:11 PM
Jay Jay,
If bynum is traded and we're stuck with Kwame, how can we make him a good center? Here is my idea:
1. On his last contract year, I'll ask him to enter Kareem's tutorial on post plays & moves and make his hook shots working, then improve his free throw shooting % and convert it into a big weapon;
2. I will also hire James Worthy in between games to teach him how to dunk, catch the ball in the air and do a scooping lay ups, practice mid ranged jump shots everything on the paint. Lastly, increase his running speed by training him to become like a running back. While running Worthy will be throwing him different kinds of balls starting from tennis ball, baseball, football and finally, basketball.
Don't you think he will not improve with these exercises? After finishing this course, this is equivalent to Masters Degree in Basketball.
I think with this two crash course programs, he will be one of the finest pf's or centers that the Lakers have envisioned for. One good thing about Kwame is his defense, he's strong in rebounds but his handicaps are: laziness in honing on fundamentals and slow-footed thereby getting t/o's like 3 seconds or traveling, and weak on offense. If he does not learn from these two HOF's then he will never succeed in any NBA team.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 12, 2007 at 04:28 PM
why don't phil get rid of everyone except kobe and start anew.
Posted by: apujac | May 12, 2007 at 04:34 PM
Fatty,
I think you got all the answers, what you lack is the POWER to implement on those brilliant ideas. Seriously, we are in hiatus or in limbo, the summer is still long, we just don't know where our two great minds Jim and Mitch will bring this Lakers. The devil is in the details of their interviews, they have the right perspectives of a perfect team but based from their past performances, they're no different from Chicago politicians, let the machinery runs its course, fans will learn to love whatever is given them.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 12, 2007 at 04:42 PM
Fatty,
I am suprised that you cannot sign a new contract to void the previous one. If that is the case, that is the case.
I like your idea of getting Artest. I am sure this is on cupcake's radar. Not sure if the Kings will go for it though. They will have to decide if they are going to really rebuild, if so they should try and force Bibby and his big contract on the Lakers as well. Not sure if the Lakers have enough expiring money to make that happen (doubt it). Gotta say, I don't like Bibby in a Lakers uniform, I would rather try and pry someone like Jared Jack from Portland. He is not a great shooter, but a much better defender than Bibby, which is what I think the Lakes need at that position.
I hate being out of the playoffs this early, long summer ahead.
Posted by: jt | May 12, 2007 at 04:42 PM
Let me throw a bomb likely to get some response. I would prefer the Lakers to get a JO than a KG. Here is my arguments
1. JO is younger than KG. JO is 28-29 and KG is around 30-31..(older than Duncan). And the skills of big men start dimishing once they hit 32. More especially if you are a jump shooting big man. Tim duncan plays more around the post and might be able to last longer.
2. JO plays more in the post than KG. Lakers need post play to attract attention and not a jump shooting big man.
3. Kevin Garnett trade would demand more from the Lakers than a JO trade while their impact on the lakers would be about the same. To get KG, Lakers will definitely have to part both LO, AB and a couple of more potentials. With JO, the lakers might even give up just KB and AB or some other potentials. Or just a straight LO for JO.
4. JO will give the lakers an inside-out game which is necessary for Championships.
5. For the Lakers, championship is more important than the attention KG and KB will demand. Every move will be analyzed and the criticism will come all about KG not playing in the post. Especially if we don't win championships...........JO will demand less attention and will be a piece like Rasheed Wallace was for Detroit. No much noise but capable of getting us over the hump if the GM makes sound decisions on our point guard situation.
6. JO already has demamnded a trade. Directly or Indirectly. We are not sure KG will do the same..........
Having said all that, I love KG and will love him in Lakers uniform but JO is a better and more realisitic option
Posted by: Peter | May 12, 2007 at 04:49 PM
What about this trade. Lamar Odom and Andrew Bynum for Jermanine O'Neal and Danny Granger and maybe throw in Sasha and Brian Cook. By getting O'Neal and Granger we solve the problems at the 3 and 4. O'Neal was in the top 5 in block shots and one the better rebounders in the league and Granger is a very good defender hes guarded the likes of Bryant and Carter and the best guards in the league so that would free kobe up defnsively. Thoughts people.
Kwame would still be the 5 with Mihm backing him up, O'Neal the 4, Granger the 3, Kobe the 2, and Farmer or somebody else at the point and would address that with the 19th pick or with the MLE.
Posted by: Justin | May 12, 2007 at 05:06 PM
Mitchell,
I said:
“When it comes to individual skill, I think that Kobe is the best player on the planet right now. When it comes to team play, Kobe is not even close. There is a whole slew of things that Kobe can work on to improve in this area:
1) Stop jawing with the refs and get back on defense. Seriously, I haven’t seen any player do this more than Kobe. This is bad on a number of fronts: he make it easier for other teams to get transition baskets, he gives away points when he gets techs, and he pisses the refs off (perhaps this is the reason he gets less calls than he should?).
2) Stay with your man. Kobe freelances on defense almost as much as he does on offense (especially when he’s not guarding one of the elite players). As bad is this to do on offense, it’s even worse to do this on defense. At least Kobe makes up for this offense by making numerous ridiculous shots; the 1.44 spg and .47 bpg he averaged is a poor return for all the freelancing he did on defense. The Lakers defense obviously had a lot of problems last season, foremost among them was dribble penetration. While Smush and Luke bear a significant portion of the responsibility of this, so does Kobe.
3) Move the ball. First of all, Kobe is simply not efficient enough with the ball to dominate it the way he does. People like to compare Kobe’s game to Jordan’s, but Kobe is no where near as efficient as Jordan was. Jordan shot a .497 career fg% and he posted a career 1.94 a/to ratio while averaging 5.3 apg. Kobe has shot a .453 career fg% and he has posted a career 1.55 a/to ratio while averaging 4.5 apg. Jordan operated as the secondary ball-handling option for most of his career, while Kobe has operated as the primary ball-handler for most of his, yet somehow ended up scoring more points and getting more assists than Kobe while doing so with the ball in his hands less often. Perhaps, it’s because he used his teammates more successfully than Kobe has done by playing without the ball? Secondly, as has been said repeatedly, Kobe way too often takes his own teammates out of the flow of the offense by pounding the rock (and then jacking up shots).
4) Be a teammate. Kobe way (and I mean WAY) too often acts/thinks as if he is the co-head coach (and now co-GM?) of the Lakers. This may have worked for Bill Russell in the olden days, but the game has changed since and, besides, Russell approached the game from a team-first mentality. Kobe approaches the team from an individual perspective: it is always about when he should and when he should not attempt to dominate, as if there is no middle ground. He (and the team) would be much more successful if he could play by riding the team flow, rather than either dominating it or withdrawing from it completely. I must say that at least part of the blame for this rests on Phil who has been too unwilling since his return to challenge Kobe and put him in his place.
5) Take responsibility. It’s amazing that someone who is willing to fail so often by taking important shots or defensive assignments, is so unwilling to take the blame. He has never cleanly admitted his part in breaking up the dynasty (everyone knows he didn’t want to play with Shaq anymore, just admit it Kobe!). He has hardly learned since, throwing his teammates under the bus after this last series. As if Kobe’s teammates were the only one coming up short in the 4th quarters against the Suns.”
You said:
“Sean P,
Did you watch the Laker games this year, or just the playoffs?
1. I agree with you that Kobe does too much whining at the refs, BUT have you ever seen a star player receive less calls than Kobe, ever? I, for one, cannot name a single star player in the last 20 years that got less love from the refs. That being said, yeah, he needs to stop complaining because that's not going to get him more calls.
2. You have a point that Kobe freelances too much, but how can you blame him? I see his freelancing this year as trying to cover for his teamates' deficiencies on defense. Bynum is a decent shot bloker, but he is completely lost on D. Kwame is a good one on one defender, but he is also completely lost as well. Smush, Luke and Cook are three of the worst defensive players in the ENTIRE league. Lamar is an average defender. Now add the fact that most of these sub-par defensive players were injured as well. The coaches took that into account when they voted him first team all-defense. Just remember, good defensive teamates make you look better than you are on defense, and with the same logic, bad defensive teamates make you look worse than you are.
3. Kobe has to "move the ball". Again, did you not watch the first 2/3 of the season, when he was moving the ball, and getting praise, even from the Kobe-hating media about what a team player and excellent passer that he had become this year? Is your short term memory that bad?
4. "Individual first Kobe" Again, you're short term memory is acting up again. Do you honestly think he cares more about scoring championships than winning championships? If you say that he is selfish because he is more concerned with his OWN legacy than the team's success, than you are making NO sense. The only way for Kobe to secure his legacy is to have the TEAM win. Isn't that obvious? He has been doing everything the coaching staff has asked of him througout the year, whether that is to fascillitate or to dominate. That's my definition of a team player.
5. Kobe has "not admitted" his part in the Shaq breakup. What's the point when the ENTIRE media and Phil's book already unfairly blamed Kobe? Look, any objective person can see that it was BOTH Kobe AND Shaq's immaturity, along with other factors, that led to the breakup. They are BOTH at fault here. Yet, the entire media made it seem as if this was 100% Kobe's fault, which is ridiculous. And gullible people like you bought into it without even looking at the facts. He was in a no-win situation.
-Don't let the media infulence you Sean P. Watch all the games and look at the facts before making your absurd accusations.”
Yes, I watched the Lakers all year (just like I have done every year since ’86-’87).
1. I’m glad you agree. I would add that not I only do I find Kobe’s whining to be ineffective but actually detrimental for the reasons that I listed previously.
2. I think you make a good point here. Kobe is definitely not helped by his teammates’ lack of defensive prowess (although I would say that you overstate your case a little here, underrating Luke’s defensive capabilities and failing to mention those of the decent defenders with whom Kobe played like Farmar and Evans, see opponent productivity numbers: http://www.82games.com/0607/0607LAL.HTM). I would add only that Kobe does nothing for team defensive structure by consistently breaking out of it, and for the all times that he was able to help successfully there were a disturbingly large number of times where he ended up guarding no one.
3. I think it is interesting that you would support your argument here by using the media as an authority when you so cynically accuse me of doing the same thing. For the record, I thought at the time the media was doctoring a Kobe redemption story because the Lakers were winning (and I think Kobe was glad to support their narrative because he liked the positive PR). Personally, I don’t think Kobe was playing all that different than he had in the past, and certainly not any different than he had in the Phoenix series the previous year. I think what was different for Kobe if anything was that for the first time he was failing to recover quickly from an injury, so perhaps he played with a little more caution than he had in the past. He certainly couldn’t play at the level to which he was accustomed. But I would argue that this was the same story of Kobe either holding back (or in this case being held back by an injury) or dominating. The bottom line is that I have yet to see Kobe play as well (or as hard) without the ball as he does with the ball. Sure he’ll put energy in to get the ball, but I just don’t see him putting the same energy/belief in working for his teammates without the ball whether that means setting picks or moving as a decoy or the like. Which leads me to:
4. I don’t think that Kobe cares more about scoring championships than winning championships (but I don’t believe that he doesn’t care at all about scoring championships). I do think that Kobe is self-centered; however, I don’t think he is any more so than say Jordan was and I don’t think this necessarily has to be a problem. Rather, I think that the problem lies with the fact that Kobe has too elevated a status in this organization either for his own good as a player or for the good of the team. How can Kobe be a part of the team when he is above it? How can one have a properly functioning team when one’s best player isn’t really a part of it?
5. I said that Kobe never admitted “his part”. I did not say that Kobe was the only one at fault. Maybe you should read a little more carefully before you sling insults? I do agree that the media was ridiculously one-sided and unfair to Kobe about the split with Shaq. I don’t think Kobe helped his case at all by being so blatantly disingenuous about the whole affair. I think he could have done himself a world of good if he had taken responsibility for his part in the situation. Kobe has given people plenty of reasons to distrust him. He certainly isn’t going to earn back trust by throwing his teammates under the bus, especially after he has failed to play up to his own standards.
Finally, I don’t let the media think for me, dude. If you’d read my arguments a little more closely, you’d see that I don’t even agree with the vast majority of what the ‘media’ has to say. The only thing absurd is that you’d use the term ‘facts’ in an argument where you fail to provide even a single statistic to substantiate what have you say.
Posted by: Sean P. | May 12, 2007 at 05:12 PM
Wow,
Thanks for the link. This just proves that managment has been inept and has done absolutley nothing to help Kobe. If I were him, I would opt out of my contract in two years if no progress is made.
Posted by: fkillah | May 12, 2007 at 05:14 PM
I liked the exit interviews with all the players. Predictably most took the company line "I am not a GM" in response to Kobe's demand to upgrade the team.
The other common theme was a comment that more or less averaged "between injuries and inconsistent playing time I never really got a rhythm."
I also liked (agreed) with Robert Horray's comment about the Bermuda Triangle. In watching games, too often the offensive moved in a slow cumbersome way that actually helped the defense because they alway knew where the Laker players would be and what the one or two options they would take.
My memory of what I guess is now 10-15 years ago now, is that Michael Jordan got his points in a much different way than Kobe does. The amazing thing about Kobe is how much of his offense begins on the perrimeter and relies on individually breaking down the entire defense by himself.
Defense is about pride and effort. The one playoff victory was encouraging in that We actually saw that effort. Overall though, the team seemed to suffer from a a weird combination uncertainity, hopelessness, and frustration when playing defense this year.
I have been reading the Blog's and everybody's suggestions for improving the team. Here are the one's I agree with
* Another established quality NBA player would help a lot but will not cure all the other problems, and could even be a set-back if it costs us Bynum or Lamar.
* Kobe's offensive style does hurt the development of the younger players, and allows defensives to stack up against him. He will need to change this if he ever wants to have a team capable of challenging for a title.
* I am relieved that Smush is gone, and am disappointed Cook is not and hope Sasha is gone as well (I have no patience for malcontents and/or players who do not put the effort forth to be effective on defensive).
Overall, I think it is too soon to give up on this team. I think this is a 50 win team with the talent it has if it can iron out all the non-talent issues. (But not a championship team). I think another year to develop a core of players (not the whole 12 man roster) would do a world of good, as long as Phil. Kobe and the other players go into the season with the proper vision.
I think the most disappointing thing about this season is that there was a way for this team to develop into a very good team, but that from Phil on down, it just doesn't seem like they every really got it.
Posted by: OldSchool | May 12, 2007 at 05:52 PM
Peter, just say no to JO. He isn't efficient as a low post player. He isn't good at defense. He's as expensive as KG.
Whoever wants to use Plastic or any other media hacks as evidence that Kobe was loathed by his teammates is a fool. It's known to most fans that the latimes sportswriters are quited biased against Kobe and they're not beyond skewing and spinning facts to diss Kobe.
Posted by: gdchild | May 12, 2007 at 06:13 PM
Edwin,
Honestly, I would make that trade if I were Bird. Why?, because that team is going nowhere fast, and the only way to turn it around is to start rebuilding. Maybe I don't know the defintion of rebuild, but I always thought you needed young players, and salary cap space. Am I wrong?
The way I see it we have 3 major trading chips:
1. Kwame's expiring contract. This is huge in today's NBA because all but about 3 teams are over the cap. The cap space Indy would get could help them sign a free agent next summer which would give them a huge jump in their rebuilding process
2. Bynum. My feelings about moving him change everyday. He's at least 2-3 years away from really contributing, which really doesn't help Kobe much, but If we move him we'll be looking for a young big in 5 years to help us start our rebuilding process when Kobe either starts to decline, or hang 'em up. I'm leaning more to worrying about now, but I just don't want us to be suffering in the future.
3. LO. This is the only trading chip I would refuse to use if I were management. LO showed much heart, and has proven he's willing to go to war with Kobe. You can't trade a guy that has so much loyalty to the franchise that he's willing to risk his career. Those injuries he suffered would have had anybody else on our roster not named Kobe in a suit, and tie. LO has earned the right to be a Laker, and I think management should do everything in their power to make sure he RETIRES a Laker!!!!
Listen, Indiana not gonna get equal value back when they trade O'Neal (we know first hand, you don't get equal value back for a superstar), but if they play their cards right, their rebuilding process can be short, and sweet.
Posted by: Weave-Man | May 12, 2007 at 06:20 PM
Fatty, haters will always be haters.
Those who want Kobe to be traded will call Kobe a traiter if that happens. Just like when Kobe chose the Lakers to stay, they said Kobe forced Shaq out. And if he had left, they would call him a trater giving up on this team.
Posted by: gdchild | May 12, 2007 at 06:35 PM
Peter,
I agree with just about everything you said, but I think you're downplaying how good JO really is. He would be much more than just a "piece" to a championship. The guy is good enough to lead a team to the championship himself, he just hasn't had the supporting cast to do it. With Kobe, JO, and LO we would be an incredibly hard team to defend. Hell we MIGHT be able to win a championship with those 3 alone, but I think the ultimate key to a championship is a pg that can defend Nash, and Parker.
I've said since before the end of the season that Antonio Daniels would be a good fit with us, but I don't know if he's a free agent or not. If we could swing a deal for O'Neal instead of Garnett, that would leave us more trading chips to try to get Daniels from Washington. This is how our roster would look if Mitch could make these moves happen:
Daniels
Kobe
Luke or Evans
LO
JO
The 1, and 3 spots don't look great, but with 3 potential all-stars all the other 2 guys have to do is play their roles, and KB, LO, and JO can take care of the rest. I think Kobe would definitely feel comfortable going to war with these guys, and should be satisfied with our shot at winning a CHIP.
Posted by: Weave-Man | May 12, 2007 at 06:43 PM
Speaking of the salary cap. With all the talk of KG and JO, whichever one would fit. What's to stop Minny and Indy from doing a deal with each other? If Indy is looking for cap space...27 million (or something) for a year, until the 08 opt out of KG is mighty attractive. On the other hand I've heard that Minny would rather let KG go than trade for players that cost just as much, and isn't going to sell as much tickets. JO will sell tickets...and KG is an expiring contract. Sounds like a perfect deal for them, leaving us out :-(. At least until 08 when KG opts out and joins us that is lol.
Posted by: Faith | May 12, 2007 at 06:54 PM
Man, is this series something else? Popovich put Bowen on Nash. These guys are messing around. They are actually coaching.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | May 12, 2007 at 07:03 PM