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
gdchild,
I don't know where you got the idea that JO can't defend, but you're just plain WRONG!!! Here are some of his numbers:
RPG: 9.6
BPG: 2.6
FT%: 77
PPG: 19.4
All these stats help on the defensive end. Garnett has better numbers across the board (except blocks), but the numbers are so close that we can't go wrong either way. I just think JO is a better option because he won't cost us as much as Garnett.
Posted by: Weave-Man | May 12, 2007 at 07:04 PM
Ginobili just came alive after almost his eye poked out. I'll tell you this: Phoenix has the athletic players but San Antonio has the brains.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | May 12, 2007 at 07:17 PM
Sean P., asking for more help is throwing teammates under the bus? Did you say the same thing when Magic, Shaq, etc. did the same thing?
Your distrust of Kobe is the reason why you find fault with Kobe's every move. You claimed you weren't brainwashed by the media hacks, but actually your distrust stemed from the negative picture they painted for you.
Posted by: gdchild | May 12, 2007 at 07:26 PM
Weave-man,
I don't think the Wizards will let Antonio Daniels walk because he is their backup PG, and he plays good defense for them. The lakers had the opportunity to sign him a couple of years ago but kupchak refused to sign him to a 3yr deal. Well, I think the way to go at the PG spot is Mo Williams, he is a free agent and the lakers could force a trade with the Bucks, because he will command more than the MLE. Another way to go at the PG spot will be Jarrett Jack who plays very good defense and could make the open shots.
I believe JO is the right way to go this season if we do not give up Lamar. They can have Kwame's expiring contract and AB. I think with this trade, we will be thin at the center spot, but we will have Chris Mihms backing up O'neal at the number one spot. We may also have to take on the bad contract of Dan Gadzuric from the Bucks. This way, we have another big body at the center spot, and could also be the key to signing Mo williams. Mo williams provides us with another option on the offense, he averages 17 points 6 Assist this season. our starting lineup will be
PG Mo Williams/ farmer
SG KB 24/ Maurice
SF Luke Walton /radman
PF Lamar/turiaf
C Jermaine O'neal/ Mihm/Gadzuric
The trade will cost us Kwame, AB, 1st draft pick, Brian Cook,
Posted by: A A LOS | May 12, 2007 at 07:36 PM
Mike-
Don't underestimate San Antonio's athleticism. They've got a ton of athletes (starting with that Duncan guy, who is so smooth and fundamentally sound it's easy to forget how dynamic an athlete he is), they just don't play at the same pace as the Suns. Overall, yeah, Phoenix is probably more athletic, but not by as much as some think. At least in my opinion.
As for San Antonio's brains? You hit that right. It must be so tough to play them for seven games, since they so rarely do things to beat themselves.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | May 12, 2007 at 07:37 PM
Weave-Man, isn't JO's salary around 20 millions too?
I just don't see JO's impact on defense as he should be as a low post player.
Old School, I think it's ok to trade away Bynum. He was melcontent and wasn't give his efforts on defensive end either.
Phil said some players didn't play hard enogh in practices and on the court, the suspects can be Smush, Cook, Radman, Kwame, and Bynum.
Posted by: gdchild | May 12, 2007 at 07:44 PM
Generic One,
Et tu G1? Man, you just lost your credibility. I thought you were a humorist. Now you are a rumor monger! Mike T., KL the B***h, Tarugo, Steven, Sonnybelchfast,Judith, et al welcomes you with kisses and open a**. Great company.
Posted by: Lakergurl | May 12, 2007 at 07:54 PM
Sean P- Hey brother that is exactly what me, fakerz and several others have been saying all year about kobe. Despite his greatness he and 9 rings are so eogitstical they accept ZERO personal responsibility
Kobe wants to win, no doubt about it, but mostly by his way. I have sensed a power struggle between Kobe and 9 rings for 2 years now. Its not talked about at all, but clearly PJ isnt calling Kobe out and making him accountable.
The thing about being a leader is when your team wins you get credit and when your team loses you get the blame. Its not fair its the way it is. Go ask Dirk or Tracy McGrady. I didnt see Mcgrady asking management to upgrade the team and he played with luther head and alston at guard. The lakers have more talent than the Rockets hands down .
Posted by: Laker Lover | May 12, 2007 at 07:55 PM
Here we go again.
Everybody who blame Kobe for asking a reinforcement to this team are clueless.
Phil Jackson said it in the New York Times in a article that I posted here, that Lakers need better players if they wants to compete for championship.
There isn't any struggles between Phil and Kobe in this matter of upgrades.
The struggle is with some fashion of the Lakers managements that are opposing to trade some guys of the Lakers.
Mitch and Jim Buss are always repeating that Lakers are one good player away for championship. Not only that, they need also, some players with the correct mindset for wining.
Kobe maked the right call. If you ask, 9 of 10 Lakers they will back up that.
Posted by: jorema | May 12, 2007 at 08:26 PM
LakerLover,
That means you are not paying attention to what is going on in houston. Tracy made it clear that they will need a bigger and more athletic PF and also mentioned that they will also need help at the PG spot. To say that the Lakers roster have more talents than the rocket team is not true. Remember, the rockets have two All-star players in Tracy and yao, they also have the savvy veterans like Mutombo, and Juwan Howard, Dont also forget the fact that they did have a lot of guys buried in the bench. the problem with van gundy is that he tries to limit his rotation to 8 men all season long, and it was kind of difficult to see the actual depth of that team. Please don't tell us that the lakers have more talent on this current roster than the Rockets.
Posted by: A A LOS | May 12, 2007 at 08:27 PM
anyone on the West coast should tune to ABC. sportzone will have Mitch on shortly
Posted by: Pho | May 12, 2007 at 08:28 PM
sorry guys. Nothing new from Sportzone.
Posted by: Pho | May 12, 2007 at 08:37 PM
To anybody who remembers:
My memory is short. When Boozer was on the table, who were we going to have to give up to get him?
Posted by: Marty | May 12, 2007 at 08:43 PM
DIE SUNS DIE,
Funny that all the Suns fans are quiet now and not trolling anymore.
THIS IS KARMA!
Amare is an idiot, just like his daddy D'Antoni. You guys never will win a ring. Karma, Karma and Karma.
I predict Spurs in 6.
Spurs and Warriors and Pistons and Cavaliers.
Finals Spurs and Pistons.
Lakers next season KG, KG, KG, KG, KG, KG, KG, KG, KG, KG,!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: gugy | May 12, 2007 at 08:43 PM
A A LOS,
Yeah, I could see why Washington wouldn't want to give up Daniels, but hey I can hope. I do like Mo Williams as an offensive threat. Dude can definitely put up numbers. My only question is defense. I didn't watch many of their games so I don't know, but if he could stick with Nash, Parker, and I can't leave out Baron Davis anymore, then I would love that trade.
gdchild,
When I said he wouldn't cost us as much, I meant player wise. Their salaries are pretty close, but JO isn't as high profile as Garnett, so we shouldn't have to give as much up in a trade. Do you see what I'm saying? With JO we get similar numbers to Garnett, but don't have too pay as much player wise so hopefully we can make more than one move.
Posted by: Weave-Man | May 12, 2007 at 08:51 PM
Fkillah,
Here is the print of Kobe You-Tube
http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?t=41036
As you can see, they crossed the picture of Mitch Kupchak. He does not get any respect nowadays, all he hears are Armageddon and the Great Fall. Even his lone Superstar whom he chased in '04 do not have anything good to say about the mismanagement.
At this time of the year, any Laker fan would remember our summer past time the voice of Chick Hearns competing with baseball Vince Scully, the networks and TNT were quiet only video feed, they could not tap the Southern California market who are intently listening only to Chick play-by-play radio and TV from 1969 to 2003. Many people in this blog grew up from that kind of life for so many years. May and June were Lakers time. Today, we could not even pass the 1st Rd Playoffs and our season ends in April. and afterwards we hear the mea-culpas "we will do what we can do....I wish I have a magic wand to make this a championship team" from Mitch Kupchak and Jim Buss promises of Championship team but forgot to mention what year? Fans laid the blame on their future hall of famer player and coach who are equally frustrated for they can't win games without the necessary components. Even these stars today like: Duncan, Nash, Nowitsky, Amare, KG, Wallace, KG, JO, Kidd, Billups were they competitive against the Lakers in the past? Not at all. With the demise of the Laker legends, the followers changed as well. Even bloggers here who grew up in this era have forgotten the Laker standards, they are confused who to trade and who will remain, they come to value the contributions of players describes as scrubs. Nobody knows what the real Laker brand is? They just charged it to nostalgia that will never come back. Nowdays our youth 7-13 yrs old think that the Lakers jerseys peddled along Los Angeles Street are the Laker brand, It could represent Smush (who will be gone soon), Sasha, Kwame, Cook, Luke, Andrew, Jordan, Vlad, Mo, Ronny those are the new Laker brands. After watching and listening the best of the Lakers all we hear now are the voices of Rob Fujisaki on ABC and Norm Nixon on the networks and of course, the voices of the peddlers calling from Maple to 11th Streets Lakers..... Lakers.... Lakers only $10 for 3 shirts. (Kobe and LO are sold for $15 each.) As the late Chick said it aptly: "folks, it's all over except the shouting."
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 12, 2007 at 08:52 PM
BK,
This is a good series. Tim Duncan is just going crazy. Everything so fundamentally sound.
The only San Antonio weakness I've seen so far is when Tim Duncan and Tony Parker go out and Vaughn comes in with Oberto. Up until this game the Suns were making there move against this group. That was because Ginobili was giving the Spurs anything. But for this game Ginobili came through when he was on the court with Vaughn and Oberto. What did he hit? 9 points in that stretch? That carried them until Duncan came back into the game and they just held their ground to the end.
Brilliant series!
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | May 12, 2007 at 08:56 PM
gugy,
My finals picks are Utah, and Detroit. I called Utah, and Chicago last week but the Bulls destroyed those plans. I don't know what it is, but I think Utah is best suited to play against all the teams left. They're proving they can run against GS, which means they should be able to run with Phoenix. And you know they can slow it down, and play half court so they should be able to go at it with San Antonio. And with their athletic/age advantage over San Antonio I think they're the logical pick.
Posted by: Weave-Man | May 12, 2007 at 08:58 PM
TIM DUNCAN IS NOT A TEAM PLAYER
JUST LOOK AT HIS STATS IN TONIGHTS GAME:
T. Duncan
Points: 33
Reb: 19
Ast: 0
Stl: 0
Blk: 3
HOW CAN YOUR BEST PLAYER NOT HAVE AN ASSIST? THE SPURS GOT LUCKY TONIGHT. TIM WAS RED HOT AND NASH HAD A DAY OFF THATS WHY THE SPURS PULLED IT OFF
I AM TELLING YOU FOR THE SPURS TO WIN TIM DUNCAN HAS TO INVOLVE HIS TEAM MATES!!! HE WON'T BE RED HOT LIKE TAHT ALL THE TIME!!!
Posted by: iksaglam | May 12, 2007 at 09:14 PM
Iksaglam,
Maybe it's just me, but I think any time a guy snags almost 20 boards, he's doing his part as a "team player" (Unless you were being sarcastic or something).
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | May 12, 2007 at 09:24 PM
Hey AK,
I was just having a bit of fun!! To believe such a thing would mean that I have peanuts inside my head instead of a brain!!
Tim Duncan is just one kick ass dude he truly is amazing and especially tonight he left me speechless!!
I have watched all the games in this series and have to say that it has been the best basketball I have watched all year.
Both teams are amazing and I am very glad that the refs have decided to let the players decide the game rather than blowing the whistle for every dam touchy foul.
Posted by: iksaglam | May 12, 2007 at 09:30 PM
Iksaglam,
I figured as much (and thus noted you might have been going the sarcastic route), but had to say something just for that 1% chance you were being real. haha
And yeah, I agree about how it's great when the refs let players play. As much as it leads to a few VERY obvious fouls going uncalled here and there, it's SO much better than a game where whistles- not players- dictate the vibe.
AK
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | May 12, 2007 at 09:35 PM
I'm telling you, there needs to be some kind of color coding on sarcasm haha.
Posted by: Faith | May 12, 2007 at 09:36 PM
Faith,
I wouldn't be a bad idea. haha
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | May 12, 2007 at 09:38 PM
AK,
Yeah I have to agree. Some very obvious and hard fouls (on both sides)were missed. But I rather watch this type of Bbal than the free throw contest they call the regular season. haha
Posted by: iksaglam | May 12, 2007 at 09:53 PM
Iks,
Yeah, as long as the tone is consistent and called that way on both sides (which it was), I have no problem with it. Much more enjoyable to watch.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | May 12, 2007 at 09:55 PM
The Dallas team should go after Jason Kidd for next season to have a chance of winning. What that does, is to open the door for the lakers to go after maybe a guy like Jason Terry. I believe they will try to move this guy this summer, Jason terry, to me will be a good pick up for the lakers. The dallas Mav need a proper point guard to fascilitate their offense and also dish out to Dirk whenever he's at the post. I think jason Kidd will be the solution for this team, who I think have lost that confidence with the upset by Golden state.
Posted by: A A LOS | May 12, 2007 at 10:12 PM
Mike-
No doubt. It's nice to see after watching the last 45 games the Lakers played, where even when they won it was like witnessing a root canal (haha). Duncan is unbelievable. Nothing is ever wasted. No extra movements or unneccesary motion, other than that "Who me?" post foul eye pop, of course.
Huge difference in the game when Amare gets in foul trouble. But also it's interesting to watch how a team like Phoenix is affected by the style in which the refs allow the game to be played. San Antonio was physical all night, and were generally allowed to play that way. The little bit that slows the Suns down, even if it's just on a few possessions, can make a huge difference.
Mostly, I enjoy watching San Antonio defensively. They rotate so well and so early, then recover incredibly fast. Team D making everyone better.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | May 12, 2007 at 10:16 PM
Related to absolutely nothing---
I just saw on SportCenter that after tonight's win Jason Kidd is second in NBA history with 11 postseason triple doubles. Who's in first? Magic with 30. 30! Jason Kidd, in second place, is 19 away from Magic.
That's sick.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | May 12, 2007 at 10:19 PM
Edwin, except for the Raptors and Nets, that division is garbage, at least, it was this year. Next year, with the draft, who knows? Maybe the Celtics get Oden; maybe the Sixers continue improving. But there's no doubt that teh Raptors GM will make that team better over the next few years. He's a bright guy. They could easily be an elite team in two to three years, if they get a coach.
Posted by: Michael A | May 12, 2007 at 10:22 PM
we should have traded Bynum for Kidd after the All Star break. I am pretty sure the Lakers would had a different results against the Suns.
Hopefully we will get him next season or Garnett. Please!
Posted by: gugy | May 12, 2007 at 10:49 PM
So glad that the Spurs beat that cocky Suns. And it's good to see the refs not overprotecting the Suns' players.
Weave-man, I got what you were saying. I don't know. I just don't feel JO will be a big upgrade from LO.
Marty, the Boozer trade was supposedly done when Harley announced it on his show. IIRC, the trade involved Caron and picks.
Posted by: gdchild | May 13, 2007 at 12:26 AM
Gdchild
Really have to disagree with you on JO vs LO. With JO you get 4 points a game more, sligthly fewer rebounds and a couple of assists less as well. Lo also can run the offense and plays decent defense. And remeber LO was averaging about the same as JO before the injuries. Everyone wants to upgrade the 4 spot when it wasnt a problem. We need an upgrade at the point and the SF One of those spots needs to be a very good player and the other a decent player. If we can do that and keep Lamar we will contended if not next year, the year after. And if we could some how keep Lamar and aquire JO we would contened for sure in 08 with a decent PG added to the mix.
MH
Posted by: michael H | May 13, 2007 at 02:28 AM
how do you expect bynum to mathure, when this idiot bryant will not pass the ball. im sorry but i got to say it. i put him in the same class as the iversons, bonds, of the world who are hated by everybody even teamates. and will not win championships. yes i know he has three. but he wont win anymore sadly.
Posted by: ricky does it | May 13, 2007 at 03:02 AM
Happy Mothers Day to bloggers who are mothers, to your aging Mom and especially to K-Bros Mom.
Hug your Mom while they are still with you and enjoy their presence. When they are gone just like mine, only memories are left behind.
Did you notice that's what we lacked with our Lakers today, we have no Lakers' Mom? There are many but they are no longer as active as before like Marge, Magic's Mom, by the way, was there ever a Mrs. Jerry Buss?
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 13, 2007 at 06:44 AM
Tell Mitch Cupcake to make the trade for KG. Everybody is expendable on the Lakers except KOBE. We need a star to help KOBE out and KG is probably tired of losing in Minn. Go LAKERS
RICH GUYS TROPHY WIFE SPEED DATING
Posted by: RichGuysTrophyWife.com | May 13, 2007 at 08:16 AM
Reasons For A Disappointing Laker Season (in order of importance):
1) Injuries ruined ability team to play as an integrated unit. The key strength of Phil Jackson's season.
2) Injuries limited the individual efforts of players.
3) An aggressively motivated understanding of team defense, particularly perimeter defense never materialized resulting in consistent breakdowns of effort and mental lapses regarding coverage.
4) Lack of team defense and injuries created a weakness of team self-confidence, further undermining effort and trust.
5) Smush Parker sucks and is a terribly inconsistent player who lacks a proper understanding of the correct mentality for the position of point guard. AND none of the backup point guards have proven an adequate replacement with the notable exception of the far-too-young Jordan Farmar.
6) Crisis at Center. None of our centers have been able to play aggressive defense and offense simultaneously. Kwame Brown has not been tough enough. Andrew Bynum lacks experience, confidence, and competitive fire. Ronny Turiaf lacks confidence and does not yet understand his place on the team. These things worry me greatly. So much potential not being realized. This concerns me greatly. I literally feel heartbreak at the wasted talent I see. (Bynum still has time to develop, but I am losing faith in Kwame and Ronny. Not good. I do not see confidence and competitive fire in these players).
7) Lamar Odom was often hampered by injuries, but he was also hampered by personal emotional issues and issues of confidence. This team will never be able to reach its potential unless Lamar Odom plays with an aggressive confidence approaching that of Kobe Bryant's. He simply defers too much to Kobe. I'd rather have Lamar be on testy terms with Kobe and playing visciously, than Lamar and Kobe being "best friends forever" and Lamar constantly deferring to Kobe. We need two killers on this team, not just one.
8) Rad Vlad completely failed the team through an idiotic injury. In addition, his pre-season injury and mental lapses made it questionable whether he would have ever been able to fulfill the role he committed to when joining the Lakers.
I still love this team. I think with the development of Bynum and Farmar, a new star-quality point guard, and Kwame, Lamar, and Rad Vlad playing at (or even near) their potential (especially mentally), this is still an NBA Finals caliber team.
However, Kobe isn't getting any younger.
Everyone else (with the exception of Kobe and Luke) needs to seriously step up. This is crucial. This has to take the intensity of a spiritutal quest or a life-saving intensity. These players need to step up. They need to do it for themselves. They need to do it for Kobe. For Phil. For the Organization. And for Laker Nation.
We need them to step up.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon Kavulic | May 13, 2007 at 08:27 AM
Jo=kobe in disguise,
“When people talk about Kobe mileage, I laugh, Kobe laugh.”
Isn’t this one in the same?? you are kobe.
“Kobe heaters…You are going to have 5 miserable years, because you will hear about more and more greatness from Kobe.”
As an admitted kobe-hater on this blog, I DON’T CARE WHAT KOBE DOES INDIVIDUALLY. I care about what the Lakers do as a team.
“Is hard to play with Kobe? Yes he demand dedication, sacrifice and heart. Mediocrity isn't in his daily vocabulary.”
I agree it’s hard to play with kobe, but kobe’s mediocrity as a leader and teammate can’t be ignored just because he’s a great INDIVIDUAL player.
Kiwi,
“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.”
Thank you for the insight. I enjoy chatting with jo=kobe in disguise.
Sean P.
“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.”
First, the more I read your post, the more I respect your opinion. Please keep them coming. Second, great point about kobe not playing as hard without the ball. This is my argument that kobe lack leadership and is selfish. B-ball is a team sport and Blackmamba24’s “live and die with the team” philosophy is key. I would really like to see kobe work just as hard making his teammates look good IN GOOD AND BAD TIMES. I know early in the season kobe was “The Big Facilitator”, but what’s important is playing the same way all season, not only when the team is doing well. I’d like to see kobe be a better leader when the team faces adversity so when the playoffs come around his teammates aren’t shell shocked.
“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?”
Bingo was his name. I would also add that kobe is too elevated among kobe-lovers who are blinded by kobe’s individual accomplishments (fools gold).
“I said that Kobe never admitted “his part” [in the shaq trade]”
This would go a long way in getting haters like myself off kobe’s back. By tap dancing around the Shaq trade only fuels the fire among those laker fans who believe kobe (directly or indirectly) gave laker management an ultimatum to trade shaq or lose kobe. It just doesn’t make sense why the laker org would trade Shaq so suddenly? A more savvy move is kobe signs first, then trade shaq for better value. It just doesn’t smell right.
“He [kobe] 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.”
I’ve argued this point ad museum on this blog and I only get insults from kobe’s lovers (or is it kobe-lovers)
Laker lover,
“Kobe wants to win, no doubt about it, but mostly by his way. I have sensed a power struggle between Kobe and 9 rings for 2 years now. Its not talked about at all, but clearly PJ isnt calling Kobe out and making him accountable.”
I get the same feeling too. I think kobe gets more blame because 50% of laker fans blame kobe for breaking up the championship lakers (almost) dynasty). Imagine kobe as the #1, shaq as the #2 and a bunch of others working TOGETHER seeking a title. I think kobe doesn’t like to admit that he needs anybody………well, he’s got nobody right now supporting him (in terms of teammates). Kobe’s attitude is fine when you’re younger, but kid kobe will soon become old-man kobe and then the hate will spew (even more) when the lakers lose and kobe shots 30% when he’s tripled teamed and jacks up a bad shot. Also, I can envision some punk-ass (like kobe was to shaq) begin to challenge kobe as the alpha male. Perhaps even push kobe out. Karma has a way of returning the favor. so far, there's a lot of bad karma surrounding kobe for what's he's done to the laker organization and kobe's got some nerve calling out management. kobe should look in the mirror......he ain't "like mike" by any means.
Posted by: KL | May 13, 2007 at 08:27 AM
Do you know who the Lakers could use? Corey Maggette. He plays with fire. We need players who play with fire. That's the only way we're going to win this thing.
The timidity of the Lakers at the end of the season was extremely disstressing to me. Better to lose the game by 15 playing with violent intensity than lose by 5 playing like confused, wimps.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon Kavulic | May 13, 2007 at 08:32 AM
Sign J Kidd this summer and the Lakers win it all next year...
Posted by: edubbs | May 13, 2007 at 08:37 AM
Kobe better stop eating like crap. No excuses, pal. What the hell are you thinking? With all the minutes, you've played? How can you be cruel to your body like that? You're letting down yourself, your team, and Laker Nation.
Start eating right. You should know better than that. Nutrition is everything to sustained health.
Deal with it.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon Kavulic | May 13, 2007 at 08:38 AM
I'm getting sick and tired of people complaining about how difficult the Triangle is to learn. These guys have been playing basketball their whole lives. They are professionals and millionaires. No excuses.
It's not like they're being asked to engineer a cold fusion power plant.
Figure it out and spend less time complaining about how much money you make (Smush), learning how to snowboard during the season (Rad Vlad), and throwing cakes at people during their birthday party (Kwame).
This crap is fricken serious. As Lakers, our players should take their duties serious. They didn't come to be Los Angeles playboys and scensters. They came here to play basketball.
As Lakers, they should live their lives as Spartans. Not a bunch of whining, partying nincompoops.
Let's get this done. No more excuses.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon Kavulic | May 13, 2007 at 08:46 AM
gdchild, Thanks. That trade looks pretty good right about now. Too bad there are no time machines to take a peek at the future before pulling the trigger.
That said, the Kwame Brown deal was good for us at the time. Without his post presence, where would we have been when Mihm went down? We may have missed the playoffs two years in a row, Butler or no Butler. And Atkins had to go, that was a given. My lasting memory of him will always be the game or two after his "Kobe GM" comment, when at the end of a quarter, Kobe fed him three times in a row for wide open 3s, and he bricked every one of them.
As far as Odom is concerned, we can't trade him. We shouldn't trade him. Any trade involving Odom will be one of those we'll regret. His all around value transcends the rather specious "He can't play with Kobe" knock. He's consistently near a triple double, and that's just all around good.
Posted by: Marty | May 13, 2007 at 08:50 AM
generic_one,
Absolutely awesome.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon Kavulic | May 13, 2007 at 08:50 AM
AA we agree to disagree, before the playoffs Mcgrady said this years team was the team he thought could go deep in the playoffs. Jawane Howard looked old and slow most of the year, and savvy doesnt get it in the nba for long. Obviously their problem was scoring and the lakers was defense.
Kinda sad if you think about it since 9 rings has a DEFENSIVE coaching mentaility and history.
Posted by: Laker Lover | May 13, 2007 at 08:57 AM
John k...im with you on Kobe eating right...
Its stupid to think it doesnt affect him now...how often has he been sick in the last couple of seasons?
Posted by: Kiwi | May 13, 2007 at 09:50 AM
As far as the bynum for Kidd non-trade earlier in ther season...how much evidence is there that the nets DEFINITELY wanted that trade.It seems to be a common belief on here that the nets were desperate to fob Kidd off to the lakers while we turned up our noses and elected to keep Bynum...anyone know is this in fact the case or is what we have all decided to accept as fact?
It would give us a good idea as to AB's trade value...
Posted by: KIwi | May 13, 2007 at 09:56 AM
AK was right on point last month. If this team is aiming to win now, keeping Bynum is madness. See if you can get Kidd back on the trading block, and go after Artest. Those are the 2 best moves the Lakers can make. Having KG or JO does little for their perimeter defense, which would be their undoing.
If the Lakers get those 2 and can keep LO, maybe they get back in the hunt. Otherwise, they're doomed to a second-round exit.
Posted by: Exiled | May 13, 2007 at 10:19 AM
JK:
I'm with you. The Triangle is designed to maximize opportunities and open scoring options. Thereby giving a team with limited talent the best chance to win. This edition of the Lakers emphasized size over speed and quicks, so the Triangle was the best way to go.
Of course, you can see what Kobe's Lakers did without a semblance of order and structure. That was the 2004-2005 season. Do we really want to see that again?
Posted by: Exiled | May 13, 2007 at 10:23 AM
Here is a very interesting spin on the topic of "making your team mates better" I for one hate that ridiculous notion and think it is way overrated.
The piece is about Nash and I got it from the ESPN blog. Although I don't completely agree with the blogger he might have a valid point.
Biafra4Life:
"I dont know if it's just me seeing this, but I get the impression that sometimes having Nash on your team can be too much of a good thing. When you have him as a point guard, yes he gets you easy shots, but ultimately I think it damages the development of players in the long term, as they almost never learn to create their own shots efficiently. Look at Stoudemire. He has almost ZERO low post game whatsoever. Quite simply he cant do it, why? because all he does is get easy dunks from Nash all day. Ditto for Marion, who had Jason Kidd early in his career and then Nash now. For all his talents, he cannot create a play on his own to save his life. Which is why it's laughable that he wants to go to another team to be 'The Man' how can he do that when he will be stuck with the ball on an iso and cant do nothing with it? I guess the perfect example of Nash's effect has to be Dirk Nowitzki. Dirk was no different than Stoudemire, waiting on Nash to set him up with open jumpers. Now Dirk has at least TRIED to develop a low post game where he doesnt depend on the point guard to get him a wide open shot. Granted all that didnt mean much in the playoffs but I think you guys can see where Im coming from here. And the scary thing for Suns fans is that Nash really might have 2 or 3 more years at best still playing at this high level. Then what happens to Amare and Marion? it might get ugly."
Posted by: iksaglam | May 13, 2007 at 10:44 AM