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
I know what I think what should be done to improve the Lakers will be greeted with gnashing of teeth, esp w/ all the sportswriter who seem to think the way to the Lakers heart is to kiss Kobe's rear. Trade him!!!!!!!!!!!! He is the best player in the league but the worst teamate. With all his image building "correct talk he is still the same arrogant, selfish ball player that entered the league. I do not see any mention of restructing his contract as to allow more cap room to sign free agents The debate as to trade Shaq is moot, what bothers me is the dismantling of that whole team and the inability to get quality free sgents. Wether Kobe asked for it or not he got his team and throwing up 50 a nite did not help. Note to Andrew Bynum I knew Shaq,Shaq was a friend of mine, you sir are no Shaq or ever will be Trade him and Kobe, bite the bullet for a couple of seasons as we rebuild with the draft choices we could get as well as the players we could recieve(not to mention cap space and we would be rid of the cancer that has plagued the lakers
Posted by: Viking | May 13, 2007 at 11:27 AM
Viking, you did not know Shaq, because I was Shaq's bodyguard for all 45 years and 420 pounds, and I never saw Shaq talking to anyone named Viking.
Keep your lies to yourself.
Posted by: greek dude | May 13, 2007 at 12:08 PM
Kl and the other haters
I really have no problem if you come down on Kobe. Shot us out of game 1 in the playoffs? Sure he did. He is not perfect as a player or person. But i have problems when you guys either do not understand the game or choose to ignore the facts to serve your own arguments.
The triangle is a motion offense and Kobe works harder without the ball then anyone on our team, perhaps the entire league and to say he doesnt is garbage and diminishes any valid points you tend to make. Is kobe working to get open? OF COURSE!! That is the POINT OF THE TRIANGLE!! THATS WHAT YOU ARE SUPPOSE TO DO!! WHAT DONT YOU GET? as far as picks are concerned, that is one of the reasons i think the triangle is not suit for the personel of this team, there isnt a lot of picks set and Kobe and Lamar would be deadly in a pick and roll game. But ya he doesnt set a lot of picks. See guys in basketball, they have these things called plays that are run for certain players at certain times. I have seen him set picks, probably the PLAY called for it.
Few other bones to pick. Kobe vs Shaq trade. 4 year old debates tend to become boring. If thats all you have to fall back on, doesnt say a lot about ones intellect.
Kobe vs Phil problem? Where is that coming from. Havent read one thing , what fact is your "Feeling" grounded in?
And finally when we went on our six and then seven game losing streaks and kobe would come out and try and get the few healthy bodies involved in the offense and we would be down by 15 after the 1st werent you screeming at the t.v for him to SHOOT. I was. Next year if we are healthy and he ignores his teamates and hogs the ball, i will join your hate club. But this year he did what he had to do.
Posted by: michael h | May 13, 2007 at 12:09 PM
Jay Jay,
I agree that KG is definitely on another level. And that's why I think keeping Lamar is a must. We can't get out of the west with just Kobe and JO. While I'm not positive that Kobe and KG could, I'm more positive that they can do it.
What do you think about making a run at Grant Hill with some or all of our mid-level exception?
Posted by: Xodus | May 13, 2007 at 12:21 PM
New Lakers article (sorta)
http://www.nypost.com/seven/05132007/sports/l_a_s_storyheating_up_sports_peter_vecsey.htm
Posted by: bobie | May 13, 2007 at 12:42 PM
A case for Pau Gasol rather than Jermaine O'neal
By Eric Pincus
for HOOPSWORLD.com
May 13, 2007, 07:28
The Los Angeles Lakers have enormous pressure to improve this summer. Their most desirable asset, young center Andrew Bynum, will not be traded unless the Lakers can get enough talent back to be immediate contenders.
That's a pretty tall order. Considering Kwame Brown's struggles to find consistency and Chris Mihm's year long ankle injury . . . the Lakers cannot afford to move Bynum without getting size in return.
In other words, Bynum cannot be traded for a guard or a wing player unless the Lakers have found some magic solution to fill the void at center.
Complicating matters, Bynum only makes a couple of million. The only significant last year contract LA has on the books is Brown's. Unless LA can pressure a team into taking Vladimir Radmanovic, Brown would probably have to be the salary ballast to make a Bynum deal go through.
Even if Mihm is re-signed and proves ready to play, the Lakers would be mighty thin with just Ronny Turiaf capable of backing him up.
Recently the idea of Jermaine O'Neal was discussed at length as a reasonable, albeit expensive possibility.
Another feasible target in return for Andrew Bynum is Memphis Grizzlies' Forward/Center Pau Gasol.
After missing the first 20+ games of this last season, Gasol found the Grizzlies in a major hole. Over the last season or two, the team had let go of nearly every veteran (Eddie Jones, Lorenzen Wright, Shane Battier, Bobby Jackson, Earl Watson, Jake Tsakalidis, James Posey and Jason Williams) in favor of young talent like Rudy Gay, Hakim Warrick and Kyle Lowry.
Gasol, who had broken his foot leading the Spanish National Team to the FIBA World Championship, found himself in a no-win situation: The Grizzlies didn't have the talent to win, they had fired their coach, their owner was trying to sell the team and Jerry West (President of Basketball Operations) was expected to step down after the season.
Gasol responded by asking for a trade. The Grizzlies didn't like the offers made (specifically from the Chicago Bulls who refused to give up a combination of Luol Deng and Ben Gordon . . . among other packages) and kept Gasol the remainder of the season.
As the year ended, Gasol reiterated his desire to leave to the media, even if the team managed to draft a top two prospect like Greg Oden or Kevin Durant.
It's not clear if he will be traded and if so for what . . . but if the Lakers are shopping Bynum they would probably be one of the top suitors.
A combination of Bynum and Brown is enough to match the salaries. It would be a lot trickier without Brown. The Lakers won't trade both Lamar Odom and Bynum for Gasol. That means it would probably take a package built around Bynum and Vladimir Radmanovic (and filler) which would probably be far less appealing to the Grizzlies.
If trade discussions did get serious between the two teams, other players could be involved along with draft picks . . . but for the sake of argument let's assume LA and Memphis make a simple Bynum/Brown for Gasol swap.
The Laker roster would look like the following going into the summer (assuming they re-sign Luke Walton and Chris Mihm, neither necessarily a given).
PG: Jordan Farmar/Sasha Vujacic
SG: Kobe Bryant/Mo Evans
SF: Luke Walton/Vladimir Radmanovic
PF: Lamar Odom/Ronny Turiaf/Brian Cook
C: Pau Gasol/Chris Mihm
Assuming Smush Parker (a lock), Aaron McKie and Shammond Williams do not return the Lakers would have 11 players under contract. They'd have their Mid-Level Exception (MLE at ~$5.5-6 million), the 19th pick in the draft along with two second-rounders.
The Lakers would have to find away to either trade their 19th pick along with the little filler they have left for a point guard or luck into a starter with their MLE . . . a very difficult task.
Of course LA could then choose to blow up the team even further, turning Odom around for a guard and perhaps another forward/center . . . but that's out of the scope of this article.
How well would such a Laker squad fare?
What Gasol brings is a true low post option. There were only five players last year to average at least 20 points and 10 rebounds while shooting over 50% from the field (Chris Bosh, Carlos Boozer, Amare Stoudemire, Tim Duncan and Gasol).
[Technically Gasol averaged 9.8 rpg but then Bosh only shot 49.6% . . . the decimals are rounded for the sake of this article.]
Gasol put up 20.8 ppg on 53.9% shooting from the field. He also blocked 2.1 shots per game while committing just 2.3 pfpg.
One knock on Gasol is that he's not a rugged position defender. He is a solid weak-side shot blocker and helped anchor the 2005/6 Grizzlies team that held opponents to a league best 88.5 ppg. LA would need additional muscle to help defend against the elite big men in the NBA.
Defensive minded/offensively challenged bigs are a lot easier to find than a low post big putting up Gasol-like numbers.
A legitimate worry is that Gasol's playoff record is 0-12 (three straight sweeps).
Though his supporting cast never included a second star, he deserves a share of that blame.
Gasol and the Grizzlies may have been post-season flops, but winning 50+ games a year in the Western Conference with a questionably talented roster was impressive.
Of course the Lakers have Kobe Bryant along with Odom to help on that front . . . and don't forget Head Coach Phil Jackson.
Offseason moves are rarely simple but if LA had the chance to choose between Gasol and Jermaine O'Neal from the Pacers, Gasol is the better option.
Though O'Neal is considered more of a star, how much of that is based on past performance?
O'Neal shot just 43.6% from the field this season. His best performance in the past four years was in 2005/6 when he shot 47.2%.
In the 2005 playoffs though, O'Neal hit at an abysmal 36.5% clip through 13 playoff games.
For a guard that's terrible but a power forward/center?
Perhaps in the triangle offense O'Neal would stop taking jump shots and fade-aways.
Gasol already puts up the numbers you want from a big man. The triangle offense needs someone to score in the low post. The team has suffered for easy baskets and an inside/outside game. Gasol doesn't have to change up his game to provide what the Lakers desperately need.
Some have called Gasol "soft" but that's often a label unfairly assigned because they're European. O'Neal's face up game is a lot softer than Gasol's commitment to the low post. Gasol can face up and shoot from outside as well but it's nice that his bread and butter game is already in the paint.
A serious factor to consider is O'Neal's gigantic contract with $64 million remaining over the next three seasons. Gasol is a much more reasonably priced $63 million spread out over four. That's $21.4 million per year for O'Neal and $15.8 million for Gasol.
With luxury taxes a major consideration, O'Neal would likely cost on average $11.2 million more per season.
Currently O'Neal is coming off of offseason knee surgery. He's missed an entire season (82 games) spread out over the last three years. (To be fair, Gasol did miss 51 games over the same stretch).
Gasol is also two years younger, a better passer and can calculate pi to the 20th digit (that last one is probably not true).
The Bottom Line
The Lakers need to improve.
Unfortunately Mitch Kupchak as General Manager has frankly been less than spectacular.
If they have the chance to add on the likes of O'Neal, Gasol . . . or even the big pipe dream of Kevin Garnett . . . they should make that move even if it means giving up on what could be a major talent in Andrew Bynum.
Point guard would still be a major factor but if the Lakers went after the cheaper Gasol they'd have more flexibility to round out the roster.
Gasol is a better triangle fit. His defense is underrated though not as strong as O'Neal's.
For a sample of what Gasol can do, remember the Memphis win over the Lakers in LA?
Who blocked Bryant's final shot? Who anchored a zone defense that completely confused the home team?
If Gasol is "soft," how did the Grizzlies hold teams to a lower field goal percentage than any team in the league two seasons ago?
The Lakers need to see how the draft lottery unfolds on May 22nd. If the Grizzlies get the first or second pick would they taken Greg Oden, eliminating the need for Bynum?
Or would they take Kevin Durant and then trade for Bynum, landing the second brightest center prospect in the league?
Would the Pacers try to force poor fit Jamaal Tinsley into any deal for O'Neal?
It's still a stretch to say the Grizzlies or the Pacers are just waiting to make a deal with the Lakers . . . but given the choice Gasol is the one.
KEY NEWSLINES
New York Post: "Pacers president Donnie Walsh squashed a report yesterday that Jermaine O'Neal requested a trade to the Knicks during postseason meetings with Larry Bird. "Jermaine never came in and made demands in our meeting," Walsh told Pacers.com. "We talked about the team, but there were no demands made. He was thoroughly respectful." Thomas has his eye on Pau Gasol, O'Neal and Kevin Garnett during summer trade talks and free agent Vince Carter. Thomas has often taken credit for developing O'Neal into a star, but he seems a poor fit with center Eddy Curry."
Basketball News Services: "More and more rumors are swirling that the Kings want to trade Artest. Whatever he brings to the team as an individual player he negates with his locker room and off court problems as well as his inability to adapt his style. Petrie may wait to see what the new coaching staff thinks but if they
Posted by: A A LOS | May 13, 2007 at 12:45 PM
Happy mother's day everyone!
Especially the K's mom!
Posted by: Faith | May 13, 2007 at 12:57 PM
MO
KO
LO
luke/vlad
JO
LOKO/MOJO lol it just works
Posted by: bob | May 13, 2007 at 01:26 PM
AALOS
please free to send this memo to lakers management...
PG Mo Williams/ farmer
SG KB 24/ Maurice
SF Luke Walton /radman
PF Lamar/turiaf
C Jermaine O'neal/ Mihm/Gadzuric-Not so sure about Gadzuric but hey he's just one filler
The trade will cost us Kwame, AB, 1st draft pick, Brian Cook,
LOKO/MOJO it just works
Posted by: bob | May 13, 2007 at 01:45 PM
Thanks, Faith. We'll be sure to pass along your wishes.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | May 13, 2007 at 02:10 PM
KLbeast
English as second languaje is taking over more and more this country in sports.
Look in the Playoffs:
Tony Parker, Ginobili, Okur. Pietrus, Luol Deng, Ben Gordon, Delfino, Nocioni, Kirilenko, Pietrus, Biedrins, Foyle, Rafel Araujo, Giricek, Boris Diaw, Barbosa,
Nash, raja Bell, beno Udrif.
We are the real deal.
Soon, english accent in USA will be infected and transform.
Posted by: jorema | May 13, 2007 at 02:12 PM
Bob
"LOKO/MOJO lol it just works"
You need to copyright that.
The trade doesn't work, I think.
Oneal 19.7 mil
Kwame 9 mil
Cookie 3.5
total 12.5
www.hoopshype.com (salaries)
Fatty, still in a "I told you so mood on the Suns loss."
Posted by: Fatty | May 13, 2007 at 02:38 PM
Looking at the teams in the 2nd round of the Playoffs, it's clear the Lakers have a long way to go this summer.
AALOS proposes that Gasol would be better than O'Neal, but Gasol's career stats don't suggest that he would be a fair swap for Bynum.
Of all the possibilities out there, KG seems like the best bet if we want to win now. Minnesota always seems to be rebuilding, and Bynum, Cook, and a draft pick might be enough to get it done. Maybe VladRad might be more acceptable than Cook. Only Kobe and Lamar should be off the table.
We'll see how this plays out. Getting would I could from the Jim Buss interview, the guy sounds like a self-centered spoiled brat, born with a silver spoon in his mouth. He criticizes Phil for criticizing the players to the media. Can someone tell me the difference from Jim Buss criticizing Phil to the media? How dare he!
Jim Buss + Mitch Kupchak = a front office that is suspect, at best. More likely, the creativity and knowhow to get the right deal done is missing from this equation. Kobe should reiterate to these clowns that he refuses to carry the entire team on his back through another season. He seems to be the only one with any clout. Buss and Kupchak seem to deal with Phil with only resentment and contempt, and even his relationship with Jeannie appears to give him little influence over what happens.
Again, let me suggest that a march or rally by concerned fans might be necessary to put some heat on the front office. Jimmy and Mitch seem weak enough that some public humiliation might light a fire under their respective a****s.
Do I sound angry? Watching all the quality basketball we see on TV now has really gotten me going. What about you?
Posted by: Rick Friedman | May 13, 2007 at 02:40 PM
The lakers can also approach this off-season by making a deal with Sacramento. Read what Scott Howard had to say about this.
By Scott Howard-Cooper - Bee Staff Writer
Good thing for the Kings other teams have their own problems to address. Los Angeles Lakers
Going pedal to the metal, after failing to reach the second round or the playoffs at all for the third time in as many years, isn't just about adding a star to ride shotgun to Kobe Bryant. While that is the obvious part of it, putting them in the middle of any discussion for Kevin Garnett or Jermaine O'Neal, the Lakers on the whole are pushing hard to win now and deal with potential complications later.
The Lakers could offer Kwame Brown in a match of similar salaries. The Kings would inherit the frustration of an enigmatic player unable to grasp his considerable potential, but also the benefit of being able to clear cap space a year earlier than with Artest if Brown did not work out. And if Brown did work out, they would have the inside track on re-signing a talented young center.
The Lakers also could offer Luke Walton in a sign-and-trade, packaged with another, lesser salary (Sasha Vujacic, Maurice Evans, Brian Cook). Artest has superior skills. But Walton has become a good complementary weapon, a smart player who moves the ball, and plugs in to the same spot at small forward. Los Angeles Clippers
Posted by: A A LOS | May 13, 2007 at 02:58 PM
Bob
Forgot Bynum 2.0 mil
Total 14.5
Fatty
Posted by: Fatty | May 13, 2007 at 02:58 PM
Calling all Haters!!!
Please can you tell me why it is ok for Tim Duncan to have 33 pts 0 assists and not be called a Ball Hog. I know, his name is not Kobe Bryant, hence he does not have to have 9assist/ppg being centre.
But LA Guy theory is that just because you not a point guard does not mean you cannot have 6assist/ppg, just look at Lebron!!!.
Hating much easier than looking at the facts. I have been watching this play-offs and the one thing I have noticed, is the other teams have players who are confident enough and willing to step, to make a defensive play or make an open shot!!!
As great a star that Jordon, Bird & Magic were they could not take the shot for their teamates.
I am getting totally bored with trolls coming on this board saying Kobe is ball hog!!
The fact that during career Kobe averages ~ 5.0 assist/ppg and Duncan averages 3.2 assist/ppg. Go figure!! Please explain to me who is the ball Hog now!!
Aaarrrhhhh!!
Angry_Laker
Posted by: Angry_Laker | May 13, 2007 at 03:00 PM
fatty
Bynum and some picks are in there too....
Posted by: bob | May 13, 2007 at 03:03 PM
Rick,
If you read the article by Eric at Hoopsworld, based on the comparisons, Pau has a better FG % and also is a lot cheaper and fits the triangle offense a lot better than Jermaine O'neal. Eventhough, Jermaine is a super star in this league, he believes that JO is overated and I kind of agree with him.
Posted by: A A LOS | May 13, 2007 at 03:25 PM
PROMISES NEED TO BE KEPT!
The Lakers have broken the promise they made Kobe when he re-signed to surround him with the players needed to win a championship. They thought they could continue to keep one eye on the long term future of the franchise while at the same time rebuilding a Lakers team that could compete with the elite during Kobe’s prime. Well, they were wrong and the you could feel the frustration and anger emanating from Kobe in his exit interview and recent comments to the media. He feels betrayed by the Lakers and has put the onus on them to make things right.
The final straw that broke the back was the Lakers decision not to pull the lever on the Jason Kidd deal because they would have to give up Andrew Bynum. I think the impact of that deal on Kobe, Bynum, Kwame, and the team in general killed the Lakers’ chances of getting back any of the synergy and chemistry that had supercharged the team earlier. It was a dagger in the back of Kobe who was forced to continue to go to battle with Smush Parker as her backcourt mate. It reminded Kwame and Andrew that this was still a business and other team members of just how unimportant they really were.
The Lakers should have made the Kidd deal. They owed that to Kobe. And it would have left them with Kobe, Kidd, and Lamar, which would have been a team that could have contended regardless of who else was on the roster. At any rate, now the Lakers have put themselves in a position where they essentially will be forced to trade Bynum. Every team in the league now knows that Bynum will be traded. No way the Lakers will be able to engineer a deal to keep him. Now, even the Kings will demand Bynum as part of a Kwame for Ron Artest deal. The best the Lakers will be able to do is to save Lamar. A lineup of Kobe, Lamar, and Kidd or Artest would be a dramatic improvement over this year’s team, regardless of who else is left on the roster.
The line between genius and fool as an NBA general manager is sometimes ridiculously close. Had Andrew continued to perform for an entire season as he did during the opening month, the Lakers might have been an entirely different team. But Andrew did regress and the injuries and antics and attitudes of Smush and Cook lead to a disastrous ending to what had been an unbelievably promising beginning. It was as if ex and Andrew Z were in control, for God’s sake. lol. Maybe next season will be refreshingly different.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | May 13, 2007 at 03:54 PM
To the Cluelesss Kobe Haters (KL, Viking, LA Guy, Sean P, Laker Lover, Fakerz, Judith, etc.).
Even after reading all the illogical and blantantly ignorant posts from the KOBE HATERS, I am still in a good mood today. So, I will give you idiots a FREE lesson on the history of the HATERS in the NBA:
Magic threw his coach, Paul Westhead, "under the bus". At Magic's insistance, Westhead was fired and replaced by Pat Riley. Haters chanted at the time " TRADE MAGIC!!!! Who is this arrogant young brat to question his coach, or question anybody for that matter? What do you know about winning in this league?"
Kevin Garnett has been past the first round only once in his career. Haters everywhere are declaring "TRADE GARNETT!!!!! We wil never win a championship with KG. Who cares if he is arguably the best power foward in the league? Who cares if his teamates have been horrible?? KG is the leader of that team. It is KG's responsiblity to make everyone better. Why isn't Trenton Hassell scoring more than 20 points a game? Why didn't Olawakandi become an all-star like we all knew he would? As a leader, it's obviously KG's fault. Let's keep Kevin McHale and extend his contract, and TRADE KG NOW!"
Shaq had yet to win a championship in both Orlando and LA in 1999, although he had star teamates, including Kobe and Penny. Haters at the time shouted "TRADE SHAQ!!!!!!! He was selfish to demand so much money. He should have lowered his salary for the team. A leader would do that. If he's so dominant, why does he keep getting SWEPT from the playoffs?. He's more worried about his movie roles and rap albums than winning championships!"
Michael Jordan was 28 years old, considered a ballhog, and didn't get along with several of his teamates, nor his coach. Most of his NBA peers agreed Jordan was the best player in the league, but he continually failed in the playoffs. Haters shouted at the time, "TRADE JORDAN!!! He never passes and only wants soring titles, he doesn't care about winning. Why isn't he more like the team oriented point guards like Magic or Stockton? Why can't he get 9 assists a game? He can't make his teamates better. We will never win with this ballhog! He thinks he's above the team! Let's trade him for some "swell and likeable" stars like Craig Ehlo, Mark Price and Gerald Wilkins. That would be an awesome trade for Chicago"
Kobe Bryant has THREE championships, and is considered the best player in the league by his peers, yet the haters are predictably chanting "TRADE KOBE!!!! He is a ballhog. Why can't he turn Luke, Cook, Sasha, Smush, Vlade Divac and McKie into allstars? I don't care if we don't make the playoffs, Kobe has no right to utilize his incredible offensive skills, even if that's what his coach told him to do. Although Ronnie, Lamar and Luke have always complimented Kobe publically, it's obvious, since I hate him, that nobody else in the league likes him either. JO, KG, Baron Davis and others all stated that they wanted to play with Kobe, but they are ALL lying thru their teeth. My inside NBA sources tell me that nobody wants to play with Kobe. Although he has THREE championhips being the fascillitator for 3 quarters and being the MAIN clutch weapon in the fouth quarter, everyone knows that Kobe had nothing to do with those titles. It was all Shaq, and nobody else. It was also 100% Kobe's fault that Shaq left. Shaq is completely innocent. TRADE KOBE for David Lee, Q Richardson and Jamal Crawford. That's the answer for a championhip. I don't care if Kobe works harder, is more dedicated, plays well thru injuries, and is obsessed with winning more than anyone else! Why doesn't he eat more vegetables and fruit, and stay away from the KitKat bars? Shoudn't leaders eat more healthy? I don't care if Phoenix has FOUR legit or potential allstars, including a two time MVP, if Kobe passed a little bit, we would have proven to be the better team. Kobe is not a winner! TRADE KOBE NOW!!!
Haters have existed since the beginning of mankind. And just like another similiar species, the cockroach, haters will never go away. Their biased hate and obsession towards an individual clouds their ability to think logically and process rational thought. They know they are full of it, but eventually, they actuall start believing their own BS, and what's even more sad is that they assume that others actually take them seriously.
Posted by: mitchell | May 13, 2007 at 04:00 PM
Michael h:
As for the triangle offense, I still believe it gives this team the best chance to win. The personnel on this team, to a man, are so tentative on the floor with Kobe that you have to institute an offense that forces them to move without the ball. You don't have the Harpers, Foxes, D-Fishes, Shaws et al. on this team, guys who 1) have experience; 2) know their roles; and 3) aren't intimidated by Bryant. Get them moving and involved in the offense.
As for the Shaq trade, it's actually been 3 years, and it still hangs over the franchise. The team is still carrying the baggage from that trade (Brian Grant's contract) and must be kicking itself for trading away the brightest piece of that package (Butler) for a stiff (Brown). They underestimated the after-effects and overestimated the value they got in return. I submit to you it has been the most disabling move in the modern history of the franchise. The Lakers are still hobbling.
I also say this. I've vented my spleen on Kobe for some time now, and quite frankly, I am ready to move on. But ask yourself this. Couldn't this possibly be what Kobe wanted: to have a roster that deferred to him? Have you ever allowed for that possibility?
If so, don't come crying to me that Kobe can't win.
He knew what this was.
That being said, getting Artest and Kidd without giving up L.O. would be a steal for the Lakers. I'd take that in a heartbeat. It would improve the perimeter defense, thereby giving the team a real chance to get out of the second round.
Posted by: Exiled | May 13, 2007 at 04:40 PM
For those of you who think Kobe is NOT A TEAM PLAYER...
Here is evidence that he is more than elated and happy when his teammates are making plays and making their baskets
Exhibit A
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJ_UINcg-zs
Exhibit B
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dD-lKk8WJi8
Exhibit C
http://youtube.com/watch?v=jP9gQ2VuAq8
Exhibit D
And this one I just had to put because it was just too damn sick
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHBGVGDrE4Q
Trust me, there's plenty more. I dont have the time to find all the videos. Kobe is more than elated when his team is doing well, as we saw in the begining of the season. There are times when we badly need his 50 point games, then there are times where he may be forcing it just a bit....because he starts to think that the team is on his shoulders again.
Give him a break, I dont know what the constant discussion is about. He will do anything to win, anything....if his teamates are involved great, he's more than happy. But when they're injured and lazy (a la Kwame searching for his head band), what else is he supposed to do?
Posted by: bobie | May 13, 2007 at 05:29 PM
Thank you mitchell, I planned on saying the same thing but it gets ridiculous at one point. How mant times will HATERS get off the bandwagon when things go bad and back on it when it is all good. These were the same people saying Kobe is God, and now God hates us so he put Kobe on the Lakers. I mean even opposing fans that don't like Kobe respect him. They wish they had Kobe, don't even question that. These so called Laker fans are bringing the blog down because it is getting annoying. Stop posting that Kobe sucks. There are 6 superstars in the league - Lebron, D-Wade, Duncan, Nash, Dirk, and Kobe. Everyone else in the league is either a star or an average player. There are only 6 superstars. These are the players you build around. Please use common sense. Don't make him leave. You will regret it!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Tha Kobe Show | May 13, 2007 at 06:03 PM
exiled
Players were not moving in the triangle, that was the point. Now some people like to point the finger at kobe but if no one is moving what do you do? let the 24 second clock expire or create a shot. Luke was about the only one playing the triangle properly and kobe found him a lot for open looks, but after the ankle he stopped making them. These guys are payed big money to run the offense even if they are not getting the ball, if they wont, find guys who will.
When i talk about the triangle i still do not believe it suits this group. Kobe is good enough to play in any system but its not the best system for maximizing his skills. Lamar likes to work with the ball in his hand and attack or kick, again not the best offense for him. Even smush was handicapped by the triangle.
As far as the trade goes, it is over, done. it just bores me to read about it over and over again. But you hit the nail on the head, this trade would have looked a lot better if we had kept Caron. Probably wouldnt have changed much this year because of the injuries(even Caron went down) but instead of having to upgrade two positions, we would be looking to add just one more starter that would only have to be decent and perhaps a bench vet. A much easier task.
As for Kobe wanting this? Come on, dude wants to win more then anyone i have ever seen.
So what can we do, i believe artest would be a great add. But will the maloofs lift a finger to help us? You know about all they can hope for in a trade for ron ron is garbage anyway, so will they make us better or take someone elses garbage. Best hope for us is that they just buy him out, which is possible. I am personally hoping that we can swing a sign and trade for Gerald Wallace or Mo williams. This will be a buyers market so niether should go more then 8-9 mil. thats doable. Also Adding J oneil would be cool only if we can keep LO and move him to the 3. It really depends on how bird feels about Andrew. If he loves him, we could make the salaries work with kwames expiring contract and Vlade . Of course i have also read that Bird wants to rid himself of a bad contract when the trade is made so that could make things tough.
Should be an interestin summer.
MH
Posted by: michael h | May 13, 2007 at 06:29 PM
Tha Kobe Show,
Please Nash is not a superstar in this league, he is a great player. Where do you rank KG if you think nash is a superstar in this league. I still don't think Dirk has earned that superstar image yet. I 'll be carefull to thread along that superstar line. Anyway, whats your defination of superstar?
Posted by: A A LOS | May 13, 2007 at 06:33 PM
Laker Tom,
"And it would have left them with Kobe, Kidd, and Lamar, which would have been a team"
I don't see how they could have made salaries match without including Lamar. (I'm assuming that they would not take Kwame and Vlad.)
Posted by: exhelodrvr | May 13, 2007 at 06:50 PM
Kiwi,
"anyone know is this in fact the case or is what we have all decided to accept as fact?"
Yeah; I have never seen what the supposed offer actually was.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | May 13, 2007 at 06:53 PM
Michael h:
You make good points about the triangle, but these guys were too inexperienced, injured or lacked the talent to run the pick-and-roll or any other spread offense. The triangle is a variant of a motion offense that kids run in junior high. Phil, like every great coach, is going to have to adjust his system to his talent, rather than vice versa, but I don't think the triangle was unsuitable for this group.
One of the benefits of posting on this blog is that it's allowed me a chance to express my distaste for how the whole trade thing went down, so I can hopefully move on from it. But mayne, if you think that Kobe wants to win more than anyone else, I disagree.
If that were the case, he'd have found a way to make Shaq believe that he was the man while surfing on that big behemoth's back to 2 more titles.
He coulda done it.
D-Wade did it, and he got his ring and Finals MVP. Exactly what Kobe wanted. And Kobe's a better player than D-Wade. He just let his ego get the best of him.
Posted by: Exiled | May 13, 2007 at 07:04 PM
A A LOS, I'm just curious who you think is a superstar. Really. What's your criteria?
Posted by: Michael A | May 13, 2007 at 07:16 PM
How is a 2 time MVP not a superstar?
Posted by: jt | May 13, 2007 at 07:18 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRJMsoIptQo
Randolph Childress. WHatever happened to this guy? Wasn't he playing at WF when Shammond was at UNC?
Kobe should've done the wave to Marion as he was running to the hoop.
Posted by: PhxLkrFan | May 13, 2007 at 07:33 PM
Just thought I should remind all those people who said to trade kobe, that he has a no trade clause in his contract. SO, anymore talk about that nonsense is just a waste of breadth.
Posted by: f0rtunecracker | May 13, 2007 at 07:33 PM
To me,
the Lakers fate next year is simple.
Get Kobe help in the next two years, make the Western Conference Finals at least, or Kobe walks. Probably to the Clippers where he has Brand and Kaman.
How do you get Kobe help? Clean house of all malcontent, non-dedicated players. Trade expiring contracts. But #1:
DO IT WITH A PLAN.
Target big name players to go get. (KG, JO, Gasol, Artest)
Target 2nd tier players to go get (Bibby, Wallace)
Identify tradeable assets: Kwame, Bynum, Walton, draft picks
Work the phones and make sure you get one of those players before next season.
Show Kobe you want to win or lose Kobe.
easy choice in my mind.
MAKE IT HAPPEN
Posted by: Korey | May 13, 2007 at 07:46 PM
You know, I'm sitting here thinking of some of the debate between those who think King James is the best player in the NBA v. those of us who choose Kobe. I think the argument is clearly in Kobe's favor. Especially since he ISN'T a media darling, yet the other players and coaches in the league continue to pick him above all others. Reference the All-NBA voting. He just missed being a unanimous first team choice, by some dude who chose Wade. *cough-cough*
I find it interesting that LBJ gets labeled a better team player when he passes to guys who can actually shoot, but has only .5 assists per game more than Kobe for the season. That works out to only about 30-40 assists more than Kobe. And Kobe is dumping the rock to guys named Smush and Sasha.
LBJ plays in the East. Which means he should still have much better stats than Kobe with all those variables factored in.
But, all that said. I just can't hate on LBJ the way my head wants me to. He is just soo good that I've got to give him his props. I wish there was a way to switch the two of them between each-others' teams and see which does better. I'm betting Kobe excels in LBJ's position (playing in the EAST?) and LBJ shoots himself in the head out of frustration when Smush bricks yet another wide-open jumper or Kwame drops another sure dime out of bounds.
But, at least LBJ's fans can still see him play.
Let's get someone in here to help next year. PLEASE!
--Fearless
Posted by: Fearless | May 13, 2007 at 08:04 PM
I hate the Suns, but I do respect them. I hate Steve Nash, but I do respect him. He is a superstar. How many times has he hit those clutch threes in the last minute of games. There was a game where he had ten points in the last minute. So I do think he is a superstar. Obviously, there can definitely be a case 4 KG and a case 4 Dirk not being one after that choke. I believe KG s a star now. He is not at that superstar level anymore. He can't get his team into the playoffs. Kobe with a horrible team can at least get his team into the playoffs forgetting about that one year where even the coach quit. A superstar should at least get you an 8th seed. I don't even want to come down on KG because I want him in LA, but he is more of a sidekick. He has always seemed like a number two option. A beast of a number two that is. A few years ago he was that superstar. He practically took the Lakers down himself. I'm sticking with the 6 superstar thought. I don't want to throw everyone into that status, because if you put a star next to a superstar they would know their place. The thing with Kobe right now is that even if you put another superstar next to him, that superstar would naturally fall back. Kobe and Duncan are the two brightest superstars right now.
Posted by: Tha Kobe Show | May 13, 2007 at 08:58 PM
Watching Derek Fisher lift the Utah Jazz in game 4 of their playoff series against the Warriors strengthens my belief that Mitch Kupchak screwed up big time by letting him go. In retrospect, the $6m/yr contract Derek got from Golden State is a bargain especially compared to Kupchak's later signings of Divac, McKie, Williams and Radmanovic.
Derek has always been about passion and heart. He would have been a perfect complement to Kobe and Lamar. Imagine having Derek starting at PG the last 3 years instead of Atkins and Parker.
Posted by: The Waterboy | May 13, 2007 at 09:02 PM
Undisciplined Baron Davis.
It was clear. Baron Davis didn't rested his body the past two nights. He was out of synch, slow, useless.
That's is his problem. He can play like a superstar for 1 or 2 months and despair. That's because the guy isn't dedicated enough to the gym and to keeping himself in shape.
It's sad, because the guy is talented.
Posted by: jorema | May 13, 2007 at 09:22 PM
Finally the league is looking at other players to suspend other than Kobe. They are now looking at Bowen. It is funny though, when Amare got hit by Bowen there was no investigation. Now, Nash gets hit, ***************INVESTIGATION******************. It makes you wonder what stu is all about. Kobe was the only player all season to get suspended for games. Is he really the dirtiest player out there? Even the players that got hit by Kobe said the plays were just part of the game. Kobe was not dirty. Players (Big time players) have been saying it for years that Bowen is dirty, and it takes until Nash gets hit for an uproar and an investigation to start. What is that about?????????????? They will probably end up suspending Kobe anyway because Kobe was telepathically making Bowen hit Nash in the sack. Thanks Stu.
Posted by: Tha Kobe Show | May 13, 2007 at 09:45 PM
Micheal A & May
We the fans turn these stars into superstars. Nash is not eventhough he is two time MVP
Can Nash by himself sell more tickets than Kobe or Lebron?
Can Nash sell as many merchandise as Kobe OR D wade?
Can Nash Make as much money on endorsements as KG or Kobe OR D wade?
If the answer is NO then I am afraid Nash is not a superstar by NBA defination. Don't get me wrong, he is a great player but not a superstar by any defination. You must call J kidd a superstar before Nash. The fact that he is a two time MVP does not make him one. Allen Iverson is more of a superstar in this league than Nash, and hes name does not even come up when the superstar names come up. At this stage, the defination goes way beyond their game, it extends more to endorsements and who sells more tickets and popularity.
Posted by: A A LOS | May 13, 2007 at 10:45 PM
LakerTom.
Happy Mothers Day ( last hour to go) to your wife on her way to full recovery. You two are blessed, you should celebrate Mother's Week by traveling and forget the Lakers. lol!
Finally, I agree with you on your post that we missed the opportunity in getting Jason Kidd. Owners should stay on the sidelines and let the basketball minds make the decisions, I think that's how to operate a successful franchise. Owners should decide the total budget whether to go all-out or go frugal, let the details handled by professionals.
After watching the playoffs of the last 8 teams, I can see where the major flaws of the Lakers. We are listening too much to the trolls in giving credence to failures of Kobe and PJ. As i said before, let's determine the problem. I believe the real problems of this team lie solely on having no role players like Derek Fisher or Rob Horry TYPES these past seasons. As you can see from these playoffs, they are the heroes of their respective teams, it's all about CLUTCH at the time it is needed most. That's also the Jerry West style and I'm sure LakerTom you have been accustomed seeing that style before. Supposing we poor role players during the Shaq/Kobe time, I think we would not have won those championships. Therefore, let's put the blame as you said it best, on players who are weak in defense those were: Smush, Cook, Walton (sorry for including him on this group he put up 2 pts on the last playoff games and too many t/o's), Sasha. I find also our other players inexperienced in playoff games: Kwame, Farmar, MO, Shammond and Ronny. Only Mckie has a strong experience but it was already at the tailend of his career. The two remaining players were severely injured: Vlad and Mihm never gave a lift at the games where they're badly needed. In effect only Kobe and LO were the working parts while the Suns have 7 deep. I wished Bryan Shaw and Kurt Rambis played in order to show what type of players or the kind of GRIT needed during playoffs time.
Again this statement may be a broken record, I blame the Front Office for trading our veterans at the wrong time. OK, Shaq has to be moved I disagree in acquiring Grant, OK, Fox was retiring plus his marital troubles that were comouflaged at that time but I disagree in trading Da' Glove and dropping Da' Fish. Finally, I disagree in trading Butler for Kwame. My reaction at that time was: Kwame who? I think this was also the choice of PJ to provide muscle in the paint but man, he just lacked the major fundamentals to be an effective 4 or 5. I'm passionate on these two PG players because they are one of the best PG's in the game just like Jason Kidd. People have been telling us we don't need a strong PG in a triangle, no way man, this is just like saying you don't need a steering wheel in your car. Look at the guards that we acquired in exchange of these two premier guards: Tierre Brown, Chucky Atkins and Smush Parker. Where are they now? Chucky and Smush were good shooters but no defense Chucky not returning to the Grizz and Smush also gone while Tierre not within the NBA standards. You saw Payton how he helped Wade and Shaq last year and you're seeing Fisher making Boozer, Okur and Kirilenko effective in their positions. Well,for Payton I agree it's time to hang the that glove at this time but he's on his way to HOF.as a Sonics player and finally, getting the ring with the Heat.
Next time we read posts blaming Kobe, Phil or the injuries, well everybody in the team has a share of the problems but let's put a target on the real problems. Don't you think it is time to ignore posts blaming Kobe, Phil as well as blaming injuries as the culprits in not advancing in the playoffs?
Anyway, LakerTom I hope next season you will value more the playoffs rather than season games. You have seen too many NBA games to put value on those 82 round robin. Season games are only for home court advantage and morale boosters like Dallas but then the real games are the Playoffs.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 13, 2007 at 11:12 PM
For the first time in an increasingly contentious San Antonio Spurs-Phoenix Suns series, Bruce Bowen is officially under the league's microscope.
Bowen
An NBA spokesman confirmed Sunday night that Bowen's third-quarter knee to the groin of Suns guard Steve Nash in Saturday's Game 3 is under review for possible punishment.
Nash declined after Saturday's game and again Sunday to voice any public displeasure with Bowen's physical play. But the league decided anyway to conduct a full investigation into this incident after declining to do so when Bowen was accused of intentionally kicking Amare Stoudemire in Game 2.
Stoudemire called Bowen and Manu Ginobili "dirty" players after the Game 2 tangle, in which Bowen admitted he "did clip" Stoudemire from behind on a dunk.
If the league decides to fine or suspend Bowen, that announcement would come before Monday night's Game 4.
***how come nash was not investigated when he did the same thing to Kobe?
Nash kick on Kobe was worse and more in view than what Bowen did. BUt I guess Nash can get away with anything that he does.
And Bowen didn't do it on purpose it was an accident, nash was way to close to Bowen, so it is amazing how the suns are, they only complain.
But isn't Karma strange?
Nash hit Lamar, open a cut on his eyebrow, and what happens to nash?and mind you after nash did try to hurt tony, Nash gets a cut on his nose and a badddddd one.
Then Nash kicked Kobe on purpose and very hard and what happens to nash he gets a kick as Kobe did, not as bad as Nash's kick to Kobe, but still a kick.
So I guess Karma is Karma.
Posted by: lakofan | May 13, 2007 at 11:16 PM
exiled
I understand your pain on the trade but i look at it this way. It probably had to happen, Mitch screwed it up but it was inevetable. I really do not believe there would have been more championships if Shaq had stayed. We had really become old and thin man. Foxy was over, Horry was gone. Payton couldnt get it and Malone was over 40. I mean if he really had any gas left he would have followed shaq to Miami or went to the spurs. We had no other parts other then Fish. Then you consider Kobe resigned for a max deal and shaqs max deal equal not a lot of cap space. And since Malone and Payton not a lot of ledgends are playing for the min. I think Houston will have trouble getting more pieces because of the cap as will miami now. I think one superstar and several good players is the right combo now in the nba ie suns, spurs mavericks... and that kinda gives me hope.
MH
Posted by: michael h | May 13, 2007 at 11:23 PM
I think we can add D Fish to the list of Mitch mistakes. Yeah, I remember all the reasons why, it just didn't work out that way. The reasons sounded reasonable, that's why they call them reasons but the intangilbles in this were overlooked.
D Fish could play with Kobe which would have made him more valuable to us than GS. He wouldn't have spent a millisecond wondering whether or not to defer to Kobe. He's a Laker for life, only wish that included the last 3 years.
Posted by: Vman | May 14, 2007 at 12:15 AM
hello everyone,
just thought i'd throw in my 'two cents'!
it's my belief that the 1 and 3 really should be the priority of this team.
with that in mind, there should be an onus on defense first, and offense second.
from what i've gathered over the past few years is that the most potent and utilized offensive threats are the swing man (the three), and now with the high volume of quality offensive point guards. The lakers should respond by choosing to suit up defensive minded, or at least above average defensive players for those two positions.
which if done, will really put the lakers on the right path.
this is why i thought the trade i proposed a few days ago would work well.
you get a defensive minded point in charlie bell, and you upgrade your three or point with a world class defender in corey brewer. All the while, you upgrade your your C/PF position with a zaza puchulia, who in his own right is a "heady" defender. He can definitely crash the boards, and play solid man on man/ help defense.
What ultimately that trade does is make the lakers a well rounded team, where potentially the defensive side of the ball will be shored up. And as all of you saw this past year, we struggled greatly on this end.
Which is why to me smush and luke really made it hard for us to compete, despite what they may have brought on the offensive side. Oh, and i know luke is a good help defender, but really we need him to be a good one on one defender with all of the very good swing men in the league.
On top of that, we would still have kwame as a trade asset, with his 9 million expiring contract! him, and another player could also possibly bring in a player to make us even more competitive.
well this is where i'm coming from in regards to the future, and i've enjoyed reading everyone's thoughts on the matter as well!
Posted by: adam kiley | May 14, 2007 at 12:23 AM
Jorema,
Playoffs are games of adjustment. Well, Sloan put some double even triple on Davis, it's the lack of experience that slowed him down and he was pressured on his three point shooting. He could not move freely the way he was allowed in the Dallas series. In the next game, Nell wll make his own adjustments too. This is a great series between two great coaches with lots of playoffs experiences in their resume. If Golden State finds a way in getting a W in Utah, I find this series going 7, however if they can't handle the 6th man which is the home crowd then it is the end.
By the way, don't worry on those criticisms about your posts. All of us here make mistakes, we do not have the time to correct everything but I admire your passion of the game and the depth of your analysis about the Lakers. It is not in the language but it is in the heart that makes people understand each other. Therefore as long as we can decipher what you're saying that's pretty OK
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 14, 2007 at 12:30 AM
Edwin
I agree with you on keeping Fish, not so much Payton, he never seemed to get the triangle. Fish is just a player. A lot of guys look better maybe but are not as effective. And letting Caron go was huge. If Phil did want kwame I dont know what he was thinking, he used 3 stiffs with 6 fouls to give each at center in chicago and it worked. i think a line up of fish, kobe, Caron, Lamar and mihn would have been competitive. Might not have won it all but we would now be in the fine tuning stage. I really believe Mitch needs to come through this year or he could be gone.
MH
Posted by: michael h | May 14, 2007 at 01:03 AM
Interesting news about the Lakers from Peter Vecsey.
http://www.nypost.com/seven/05132007/sports/l_a_s_storyheating_up_sports_peter_vecsey.htm
We're again sending another wrong message because we're announcing throughout the league the thinking of the F/O to appease the restive fans. From the theory of Supply and Demand viz a viz with Price: when there is a demand (or too much demand for marquee players lol) then the price is high. When the Supply (our players to be traded) is abundant, then the Price (expectations from acquiring team) becomes low.
Why don't start discussions after the actions or the results were made? We're still in the free market negotiating every player.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 14, 2007 at 01:19 AM
Jorema:
"English as second languaje is taking over more and more this country in sports"
You left out Rodman, Artest, Magjc Johnson...and even Larry Bird!
It was Bird who once said, "of all the tough games I've ever played in, this was one of them!"
Well, I thought it was funny.
What about the college basketball player, about 10 years ago, who punched the cheerleader in the face after she wagged her finger in his face after a tough loss? Anyone remember that dude? Listening to his explanation was pretty funy and totally incomprehensible.
BTW..have the Lakers made any trades yet? No? Has Mitch even contacted any teams yet? No?
The last two times a Laker's GM contacted free agents at midnight, just minutes after the free agant period began, Mitch's agressive move got us Vlad, and West's landed us Shaq...
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | May 14, 2007 at 04:07 AM
Where did all those Suns trolls go?
Who thinks Kobe WOULDN'T have been suspended were it he who kicked Amare's heel?
That was a very unnatural move...
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | May 14, 2007 at 04:32 AM
Exiled/Michael H
Not to mention the fact that Shaq wanted far more money than was reasonable and demanded a trade.A deal had to get done...whenever a team is in that position it doesnt end well for them.I think that is crucial...people criticising the trade always want to ignore the massive difference between a player DEMANDING a trade and a team deciding to trade away a player.
And look now miami is committed to a player with an enormous contract which was signed when he was already on the decline.
Its bad enough having a mass contract on your books even when that player is producing.Overpaying for a player who is obviously on the way down is crazy.Particularly, as michel H says,the team had to rebuild anyway.
Posted by: Kiwi | May 14, 2007 at 04:51 AM