Some clarification, perhaps?

Yeah, let's keep all the tribal wars in private

But when it comes to accepting fans money, let's do it in public and propagandize it.

Go Kobe, trade or no trade you did it right.

If you talk they will trade you, if you are useless & don't talk they will trade you anyway

So why avoid the inevitable?

Tell the haters and traders: "Go ahead make my day."

EDWIN GUECO......could not have said it any better....i dont live in the states ...i dont go to all the home games at staples but i support the lakers every year, while they dont win every year the managment made kobe a promise didnt they...so you brown nosed him to stay PULL YOUR FINGER OUT..and make good on your promise...for the last three years not a word was said by kobe ...so while it might not be the right time or thing to say this front office needs a good kick in the head ..lets see how they recover from this kick.I cant wait....

Thank you THIRTY TWO but you said it too. We just need to enligthen our fellow Laker fans accusing falsely on Kobe. What is our ultimate goal as Laker fans? Win Championships isn't it? It's all about winning, we don't care who's managing or playing. Right now, Kobe is the man, he picks on Jerry West. that's a great idea. If you have better ideas, show us the way, we will listen.

AK do you think Jerry is coming back?

Lakerfan,

I honestly have no idea, but at this point, I hope so. Otherwise, this could get messy. I'd rather not see that.

AK

AK, as best as we all can tell, Kobe did say his piece behind closed doors, and nothing happened.

It's a long standing Hollywood tradition to use the press to make your point loud and clear, and if Kobe knows how to play the game, there's no reason for him not to use the public forum to make sure he's being heard.

As you, yourself, mentioned -- Jim Buss has been on the radio. So has Mitch Kupchak. So has Jeannie Buss.

Your criticism of Kobe for going public reads like it has been ghostwritten by John Black, the Lakers' public relations man. In the past he's not been loyal to Phil or Kobe, and it's likely he's been told to squelch the mounting storm swirling around the organization. Is he trying to put sanctions on the media like this blog?

Are your comments that a trade involving Kobe is not as far-fetched as fans may think, a counter-punch leaked to you by Black or someone in the organization?

I'm not raising these questions to be critical. The questions just seem obvious because what you write is so totally counter to the mood of us fans. The Kobe-haters have been over-represented in this space. Kobe has worked hard to rehabilitate himself the past few years, and he's not going to put that good-will at risk for anything other than the right cause.

The way you moderate this blog is commendable and most of your comments have been fair ones. But I have to say, you seem totally out in left field by not standing tall for Kobe when all he wants is a winning team, and so far he's seen no action by the organization to make that happen.

I agree that this certainly puts us in a more disadvantaged state as far as trades go. Maybe now we lose a pick when we get Artest...

However, we don't know all that's has gone on for the past three years. We know Kobe could not have been very pleased with the Caron for Kwame deal... not only was it a downgrade in skill, but it was a huge downgrade in desire and will to win.

It's a joke, and abosolute joke that is the Lakers front office. What else could he do? Maybe this was his last resort like many others have suggested. Perhaps the soap opera that unveiled itself last week was the final straw (that and Kwame going under the knife)... I mean, really! What's this man supposed to do right now?

This is EXACTLY what people have wanted from him, to be a leader, to lead his team. Right now, the organization lacks that, and lacks that big time... Kobe does what he can to step up to the plate, put his own reputation on the line (potentially worth millions in lost revenue, as his shoe contract is up for negotiation this summer)...

GET IT DONE!

On July 1, 12:01 am, I want two announcements.... announcement 1, Lakers announce the hiring of Jerry West. Announcement 2, Lakers announce a trade with the Sacramento Kings that will send Ron Artest to Los Angeles...

Maybe getting Vlad-Rad was a bad move, but as I recall, Kobe was all for it, even calling VR up and lobbying for him to come to the Lakers. If Kobe doesn't like the make-up of the team, he's at least partly responsible.

AK,

Kobe has become Jordan. Remember how MJ and Phil used the press to force Krause and Company to keep winning team together (even if it cost $35 million a year for Jordan's salary).

No doubt Kobe (and Phil?) know this is a dangerous game, but it is their only move. Given the apparent in-fighting of the Buss family, Phil and Mitch, this is the only way Kobe knows to bring this out in the open. If the Logo is willing to return, management will look bitterly divided/incompetent if they don't invite him back.

Brilliant, and daring. Like all high wire acts.
If it doesn't work, it's a long way down for KB, and maybe a few others!

Lone Star

AK,

Thank you master, this one was fat and tasty and had actually some meat on it. It helps me forget about that "sour grape" taste.

Ventriloquist

Kobe is in a position to be the greatest player of all time.

You can not judge him in comparison to what the other "stars" in this league would do. They are simply not in the same stratosphere.

There were ample oppurtunities for the front office to get the job done, and they didn't make it happen.

The fundamental question is who are the Lakers trying to win their next banner with. Are you going to spend and get Kobe the guys he needs to compete or are you going to use Kobe as a mere commodity to keep your arena packed until Bynum can play at a high level?

This is a frustrating thing for me, let alone Kobe.

There has only been 2-3 talents in NBA history with the skill level Kobe possesses. Lighting up every arena, night in, night out, putting his reputation on the line in every game, for what? To wait for something as unsure as Bynum?

"Nah."

"Make the required changes now."

Good move.

---

Kobe is simply not going to allow even another year of matador Laker basketball. Kobe will simply not sit by idle as possibly his last oppurtunity with Phil is squandered by no-nothing Jerry and do-nothing Mitch.

The time is now.

Either show him the respect and give him a consistent rebounder/defensive presence inside and a lead guard who can shoot or start looking to trade the greatest player of this era.

No more years of "wait and see".

The time is now.

P.S: This is one of the reasons I respect the guy so much. Any other star in the league, bar Shaq, would stand by and watch his chance for immortality get diminished in the name of "loyalty" to the inadequate. Kobe? He works much to hard and puts in much too much work. If you don't do the same - you'll get called out and embarrassed in the media until you do. It isn't about being courteous to inadequate collegues in Basketball, it's about the game. A write for ESPN or any other publication will never understand this.

Why are Laker fans falling in line?

Tony Rambis
Director of Operations
The International Committee for Basketball Brilliance (ICBB)

I agree with the general sentiment of the board in that I support Kobe in his public criticism. And honestly, I am shocked by the local backlash by the LA Times and even AK. Kobe is standing up for a proud franchise by not accepting mediocrity. Thusfar, I'm disappointed in Mitch's response. I get the feeling that his thought process is "Hey, my hands are tied. there isn't much that can be done." For me and most laker fans that attitude just isn't good enough. So, I don't mind Kobe giving management the riot act. It might not be proper corporate etiquette, however, this isn't corporate america. It's the NBA, it's the Lakers, where achievement is judged by championships.

FFS, the point is that Cupcake is doing a shoddy job, and jimmy krackcorn buss wants to take over Hamlet style. This organization needs a shot in the arm to say the least. I don't think there's a laker fan that doesn't question Kupchak's ability to deal. At least having the Logo in the house gives the Lakers an edge at the bargaining table - something that Mitch seems to have lacked.

Edwin and Rick,
Great posts. I am also glad Kobe took this public because I'm sure he's been saying the same stuff the past three years in private. Since they re-signed Kobe I'm sure Mitch has promised to put better players around him and he's done a pretty bad job. I think there are times one should keep things private, but I don't feel like this is one of those cases. For years we haven't made much progress and this might be what it takes for the Lakers to finally get something into motion.

[AK]: "Kobe shouldn't be voicing these sentiments because they cut off management at the knees in a way that creates a point of no return."
Maybe Kobe is cutting them off at the knees.....but then gives them a push downhill so that at least the guy is walking downhill on his stumps! Ok, that might be too graphic an analogy...but point being, the "guy" was simply standing still and needed a push. And it does create a point of no return....but again, I'm just glad things are set in motion to roll now, as opposed to Mitch sapping the life out of me slowly with his ultra-conservative, non-creative, boring, non-impact moves.

I think you are all missing the bigger picture. Kobe just fired the first salvo over the bow of the Buss junket from his new stealth submarine. Kobe is letting them know that if he doesn't at least smell a shot at a championship run by the end of 2009, he's bailing on the Lakers. Kobe will opt out of his contract and go where he wants for whatever price he wants. If he wants to sign for the vet minimum he can, since he really don't need the money anyway. That would leave his new team loaded to run off several championships.

Like it or not, Kobe is leaving in 2 years. Get used to it.

Kupchak has made a good living by keeping a low profile and not doing anything particularly stupid (or brilliant). Now his comfort zone has pretty much shrunk to nothing. The problem with this is that none of it can be of any big surprise to the Buss family -- they have probably enjoyed gaving things that way.

So, even if West comes back, how much will he himself be just as hamstrung by the Buss family as Kupchak has been? Or maybe the Buss family doesn't even want to deal with the conflict that might occur if West DID come back and started promoting ideas that go against the Buss grain...

I must say I do love the loyalty that Kobe has for his mentor Jerry West. It is nice.

This shouldn't be public, but it is.

Kobe, you still need a little maturity.

Still, you are one of the True Greats and your story is not yet complete. Compete it.

I'm not certain Jerry West is the answer, but the fact that Kobe considers that Jerry West could be the answer is another sign that Kobe is a true Laker.

Anyhow... I'm terribly nervous right now with the present situation. I cannot believe Portland and Seattle received such fantastic picks. Still, Greatness comes from Challenge and there is no player nor no coach which I have more confidence in than Kobe Bryant and Phil Jackson. Perhaps all this happened so they could prove themselves once and for all.

Everything has a purpose.

GO LAKERS!

EMC,
"Maybe getting Vlad-Rad was a bad move"

Maybe. Don't count him out yet. He was injured and the fella admitted it. Kobe never blamed VladRad. Forget the past, he wants to know the plan for the future.

LakerLarry,

"Kobe is letting them know that if he doesn't at least smell a shot at a championship run by the end of 2009, he's bailing on the Lakers. Kobe will opt out of his contract and go where he wants for whatever price he wants."

Let's see what true laker fans will be here in 2009 when he leaves and we get nothing. Trade THE BIG CANCER NOW!

Lone star Laker fan,

"MJ and Phil used the press to force Krause and Company to keep winning team together."

Yes, it was really daring. The two hall of famers were correct. After their departure, Bulls never got back to the Finals even when fellow Paxton is managing.

If I were Jim Buss I will listen to people who played the game, not on his intuition as an owner.

If I were Mitch, I will give way to my fellow boss that's the heart of a true Laker fan - sacrifice and take the high road.

Tony R -

"matador basketball" - I love it!!
Best description of the so-called Laker supporting cast I've heard all year.

Oh and just to reiterate my two positions (which I never miss a chance to):
GO Kobe!
NO Artest!

Kobe has every right to speak his mind. The Lakers ARE Kobe's team...get over it..it's a fact. Kobe works harder and plays harder then the entire team put together. He has more talent in his little finger than the entire team put together. When he plays well he gets dissed for being selfish...when the Lakers lose he gets the heat for the loss. He takes it all in stride and goes into the season ready to play and he plays his ass off every game. FACT: He is THE BEST PLAYER in the NBA today.

The last 3 months of the season were painful for every Laker fan...we became the laughing stock of the NBA during the play offs. Kobe wants to give us a team that's competitive and HE wants to play with a team that is competitive who is going to argue with that. If he feels Jerry West is the guy to give us back a Laker team we can be proud of, a team that shows up every day and plays hard then I want Jerry West back in the driver's seat too.

Jon,

"This shouldn't be public, but it is.
Kobe, you still need a little maturity."

Jon, we both bleed purple and gold and u know that, all these months we've been blogging we're the chartered members here and the times we spent, passionately begging and cursing a player during live games. This is the time to ask for change not at the middle of the season. People have varying styles, some are happy to be followers and turned out to be hall of famers. Some are born to be great players who could produce 81 pts. in one game, a series of 50+ pts in many game and singlehandedly, brought this team to the playoffs destined to greatness. He has his own vision and ambition as a player, he can see his future that we, the fans don't see. Let alone, we don't know the real inside story, only history will judge Kobe or the management, whether he was right or wrong.

I wonder if Kobe is mad because Smush is gone? Perhaps Smush was the glue that was holding the team together. They told Smush at the exit interview they were going in a different direction, but maybe he misunderstood. Maybe they said they were all "pulling" in different directions. Huh...... go figure......

Laker Larry,
Kobe will not opt out in two years if Jerry West is brought back on board. If West is not brought back and management does not keep their word by turning this team into a contender in two years, Kobe has every right to opt out. If you're really a Laker fan, you need to stop pouting, and start demanding more from management.

To the Haters (includes AK),
-Magic publicly demanded a new coach. As a result, Riley became the new coach and Magic ended up with five rings.
-Shaq and Kobe publicly lobbied for a new coach. Phil became the new coach and Shaq and Kobe ended up with three rings.
-Kobe is publicly lobbying for West. The Logo will be brought back and Kobe will end up with ???? rings?

Public demands by Laker superstars have contributed to the last EIGHT Laker championships. Please soak that in before you critiize Kobe's intentions.

Hey Tim

This sounds great.
If all possible, I'd like to hear of #2 on draft night if it includes/requires giving up a pick.

GET IT DONE!

On July 1, 12:01 am, I want two announcements.... announcement 1, Lakers announce the hiring of Jerry West. Announcement 2, Lakers announce a trade with the Sacramento Kings that will send Ron Artest to Los Angeles...

It sounds like AK and BK are on the LA press and conservative Laker management team.
Doing nothing will result in NOTHING.
How long can Kobe sit back and trust. 3 yrs and ZERO progress at all!!!!
That doesn't cut it here.

July 1 can't come fast enough.

We better move Bynum quick before everyone figures out that he is more Olawakandi/Kwame than Ewing/Duncan like.

It's already obvious.

Bynum has let Kareem down.

We will never run into Bynum down the road and have trouble going through him and certainly not with Kobe around.
The kid's heart pumps kool aid.

kobe just responded, his own words, on his site. basically says he wants to stay, and he wants the Logo if he becomes available...

http://truth.kb24.com/

WiZo,

"I am also glad Kobe took this public because I'm sure he's been saying the same stuff the past three years in private."

The only way, we'll find that out is to interview Vanessa. After Kobe's career, Vanessa should write a book entitled: "What Kobe has telling all these years." That would be a blockbuster including the Colorado denials and the $ 4M diamond.

WiZo, I hope you don't disappear again like a ghost during the season, we need your wisdom during the Draft Day and FA. Surely, the LA story never ends herel, more bombshells in the offing.

Edwin Gueco,

You're right.

Still, my heart skips at the moment we are at. Greatness or mediocrity follows. I worry. How can I not?

We have Kobe. We have Phil. If we have Jerry West, we also have the greatest General Manager in the history of basketball. It sounds like a good receipe.

That much said, I'm not a Kupcheck hater. I think he's a good GM. We've just had some bad luck. Still... this is a crucial point in our history.

God help us.

GO LAKERS!

Jon Kavulic

You are one of my favorite bloggers. There can be no measurement attached to your honest passion. It is boundless, and for all the right reasons.

This is all happening for a purpose.

I feel exactly as you do. This kid Kobe is a little imature for sure, but our systemic problem has been publicized, it is on a pedestal for the whole world to see, it will be corrected, and Jerry West, "A true Laker fan for life" will help right our ship. Jerry is coming home.

Fatty

PS. Still eagerly waitng for your Artest analysis.

LakerBake,

Bynum has not let Kareem down. Not at alll. He has two more years to prove himself. Think about his age. Think about his Nature. He's not a quick development type.

Have faith. We all know that Bynum is special.

GO LAKERS!

Rick Friedman,

"Your criticism of Kobe for going public reads like it has been ghostwritten by John Black, the Lakers' public relations man. In the past he's not been loyal to Phil or Kobe, and it's likely he's been told to squelch the mounting storm swirling around the organization. Is he trying to put sanctions on the media like this blog?"

Let me begin things by saying that the opinions stated on Lakersblog in no way reflect those of John Black. haha. But seriously, my stance is nothing new. I've always felt (and stated) that players (and their teams) are rarely, if ever, best served by going public in matters such as these. It should be kept in house whenever possible. The Lakers can't even hire West (assuming he wants the job) until July 1st. For that matter, the front office can't really even start doing anything until around that time, anyway. So why bring this stuff up now?

Going public is counter-productive, both in that it creates an unnecessary circus, but it doesn't serve the Lakers (and by extension, Kobe) well when the time comes to making moves. The more desperate other teams feel Kupchak (or even West) are to make moves in large part to appease Kobe, the more the Lakers are dealing from a position of disadvantage. The Shaq trade is the perfect example. And now, especially if West doesn't return, other teams are going to feel like they have the Lakers over a barrel from the jump if it seems like they HAVE to do something because Kobe's at his wit's end. That doesn't help the Lakers' cause or Kobe's.

"Are your comments that a trade involving Kobe is not as far-fetched as fans may think, a counter-punch leaked to you by Black or someone in the organization?"

No, as I said, it's my opinion after watching/listening to Kobe in his exit interview and hearing the statements he's made that don't shoot down the possibility of leaving altogether. I don't get the sense that his mentality is that of being automatically in this for the long haul. Again, that's my impression. But it was my immediate impression before "West-Gate" became an issue.

I'm not raising these questions to be critical. The questions just seem obvious because what you write is so totally counter to the mood of us fans. The Kobe-haters have been over-represented in this space. Kobe has worked hard to rehabilitate himself the past few years, and he's not going to put that good-will at risk for anything other than the right cause."

I didn't take your comments as being overly critical, so no worries. And I realize my position doesn't jive with some Lakers' fans, but I can't really worry about that. I'm just giving my opinion. Bottom line, I think Kobe publicly pining for Jerry West to return hurts a variety of matters on many levels. Even if Kobe's cause is "right," that doesn't mean the way he's going about carrying out said cause is.

AK

Rick M,

"Kobe has every right to speak his mind."

I remember in the sixties when the loquacious Louseville Lip was sos noisy before and after the fight saying, he was the greatest. He was laughed at, mocked in the south. They always bet on his opponents and on the round he predicted he always wins. Now in the twilight of his years, he could no longer speak his mind, people want to listen to his murmurs.

I remember in 1970, a young Bruin became the NBA rookie of the year. He has became famous with his skyhook. He spoke his mind and became an avid follower of Muslim religion. He changed his nameto Abdul jabbar, people criticized him, traded him to the Lakers and achieved the highest points in NBA history.

I remember at the start of 1981-82 season when thIS young "buck" went to Jerry Buss and wants to be traded cuz' he finds his coach doing the same mistakes that led to defeat in previous years. There is just difference of opinion and Magic J. spoke his mind. It was timely Jerry Buss fired Westhead and choose for Magic. That was the start of the Showtime Era.

After all, it not bad to SPEAK HIS MIND.

AK,

I disagree with you with your opinion that Kobe needs to keep his mouth shut.

Yes, going public with a hostile media who's just waiting to embroil Kobe in some fabricated controversy doesn't serve his best interest. However, Kobe Bryant, whom has every right to voice his opinion however he pleases, is our franchise player and is the only one on the Lakers, if not the entire city of LA sans the Buss crew, who has the power to force this stubborn Laker franchise to own up to their mis-management and improve. Thank god Kobe is speaking for the average fan who wants change, who is tired of Mitch's mistakes, and who wants a proven Jerry West to guide this Laker team back to glory.

Kobe should NOT hide under some rock and be a good, quiet little boy simply because there are racist men and man-hating feminist who want to lynch Kobe by perpetually punishing him for stepping out of his place and bedding one KATELYN KRISTINE FABER, better known as the Kobe Accuser, a deranged woman who, according to official record, was drug addicted, mentally ill, and sexual promiscuous to an extent that she had the semen of different men in her filthy underwear the day she paraded into the police station to accuse Kobe of attacking her. The same woman who bragged of making money off the entire ordeal. The same woman who, on her own will, entered the hotel room of man late at night and engaged in sexual activity that NO ONE but Kobe Bryant and Katelyn Faber know of the nature of.

Kobe, you keep doing your thing. Stick up for us true Laker fans. Force change so we can having something positive to report on this blog next season.

Kobe should stand up for what he believes in and not let hateful, bigoted, ignorant people dictate what he does and how.

Fatty,

Thanks, man. That's a real compliment.

Artest? Urgh. Such a great player. Such passion.

So much baggage.

Artest has psychological problems. From what I've heard he has a wife who's a lunatic. Not a great mix.

Such upside, but too much risk. We don't need to bet it all right now. It's not THAT desperate. Quite frankly, though I am DEEPLY disappointed with the passion of many players on our roster, I do not think that this roster is without merit.

A few things need to be changed.

Above all, the team needs to absorb an obsessive need for victory which (at present) only Kobe Bryant manifests with any consistency.

Let's go.

GO LAKERS!

HEre's Kobe's response in his website:

May 28 :: 2007
The Truth: I haven't asked for a trade
What's up you all.

Haven't checked in in a while,

I'm sure you guys have been hearing all this and that and are not sure what to think or believe.

The Truth section was created for times such as these.

So here's tha deal:

I have NOT asked to be traded, I don't want to be traded and I have given no ultimatums or demands of being traded.

I love it here in LA, my family loves it here.

I've been a laker fan my whole life. A REAL Laker fan! I'm talkin Silk Wilks days, and know the history of the Lakers going back to George Mikan era. I WANT to retire a Laker and contend for titles.

It is my opinion that Mr Clutch, one of the greatest GMs the game has ever seen would b able to get us to back to that level sooner rather than later.

If he is available, then it makes sense to give him the reigns and let him do what he does BEST. I KNOW I can trust him to build us an elite team.

I'm tired of losing and I'm sure you guys are tired of it as well.

Now is the time to step up and make some things happen. We have all have waited patiently for three years...Let's GO!

- Strength and Honor

http://truth.kb24.com/

I don't know if AK but the link to it, since I didn't read his post/feelings/whatever

I don't need to read it because he's like the other ESPN writers and I don't care to read the same thing all over again.

So I hope Kobe's own words is better for us Laker fans than those of follow your leader writers, They are not journalists, they just write like we do, because they are not unbiased so why read what all of them write, the same thing, over and over again.

They should just write one article and write, written by, x.,x x,x,x,x,x, writers.

Jon Kavulic

With all due respect, I can't see what you see in Bynum. Most kids who are going to be great show you something that supports that with consistentcy or spikes in productivity. Bynum showed 1 spike early in the season and then fizzled. He hit the wall early and showed NO BITE to get it back going. He's gotta understand that he needs to take some ownership with how the Lakers are doing like KOBE does.
He's let Kareem down. I mean as a fan, if you get the greatest center to tutor you, you mean to tell me you would not lose a LUNG trying your darn best to make CAP proud.

Come on now,
we got the one of the top four 2-guards of all time on our team and he's 29 this summer. We gotta hit the accelerator and try to put a team with Championship BITE on the floor now.

How could anybody be terribly patient after we were just winning 4 yrs ago and we still have one of the 2 DYNAMO's who helped us get it done in KOBE.

BYNUM needs to go in order to surround a strong cast around KOBE.

I can agree with the point AK is making about being quiet so teams don't try to deal with a desperate Lakers front office when making trades.

However, something isn't jiving behind the scenes in terms of communicating. On what basis could KOBE trust in the Laker front office based on recent history. Trades made have been botched.
Trades that could have been made have not been made.

Besides, we all know the only players we can acquire are guys who have warn out their welcome on their current team and have some degree of baggage or old players who might or might not have something left in the tank for 2 yrs.

See the following: Ron Artest, Zach Randolph, Jason Kidd, Jermaine O'Neal

That's most of the short list
Artest doesn't have a long list of suitors lined up which helps the Lakers a great deal.

It's past time.

Time for Mr. Me to go bye-byes.

Remove the Cancer. Free the Lakers.

AK,

I'm new to this blog, I read your comments; Much respect; but think about what you're saying. Everybody knows that no matter what Kobe does, someone will always say he should have done the opposite. THINK ABOUT IT! KOBE played the background during the Shaq trade; AND WHAT HAPPENED??? He then was accused of what??? manipulating things "behind closed doors"! OK, so now, he goes public, stating his concerns, his demands for all to hear; AND NOW WHAT'S BEING SAID??? He SHOULD have kept this "behind closed doors". NOW WAIT A MINUTE??? Which one is it??? No matter what KOBE does, factions will say he should have done the opposite. If KOBE kept silent, you would have people saying things like: "THIS IS KOBE'S TEAM, THIS IS WHAT HE ASKED FOR; WHY ISN'T KOBE MORE INVOLVED; WHY ISN'T KOBE TRYING TO HELP BRING SOMEONE IN, KOBE ONLY CARES ABOUT HIMSELF OR HIS PERSONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS"! AM I LYING??? But KOBE steps up and challenges management to do something and now what??? NOW he should have kept it on the downlow. I'm not disagreeing with your point of view because your comments from a business stand point makes sense. But lets face it, when it comes to KOBE, IT DON'T MATTER!!! NO matter what KOBE says, factions will always say he should do the opposite. KOBE stepped up; he challenged management; THE SLEEPING GIANT HAS FINALLY BEEN AWOKEN!!! The "SENSE OF URGENCY" has been injected into the organization. FINALLY!!! AND i'm not here to credit KOBE; i could care less who's responsible, the bottom line is, SOMEBODY had to challenge management to WAKE UP AND STEP UP. Bring in "THE LOGO" baby, there's work to be done.

GO LAKERS!!!
scorpiomike

JERRY WEST IS COMING BACK!
Mark my words.

Kobe would not say it in public if Jerry did not say he wants to be back.
Now is up to Jerry Buss to kick out Mitch Cupcake and his drunken son Jim out of this ball club.
I guess what He will do it.

JERRY WEST IS COMING BACK!

If Kobe speaks the "truth", and I have no reason to doubt him, he can certainly help the Laker cause by patiently waiting until his option year, opt out of his contract and sign a new long term contract at half price. That will give the Lakers the amo they need to bring in some serious help and give Kobe the rings he wants. Anything less and its all about "money and me."

How do you expect management to bring in anyone of any substance when Kobe takes nearly 50% of the league allowed salary cap money? The salary cap last year was a bit over $53 mil. The Lakers spent a bit over $77 mil in total, 3rd in the league behind Dallas @ $88 mil and the Knicks @ a whopping $117 mil. Of the teams left in the playoffs, the Spurs were 9th at $65, Cavs 17th at $62, Jazz 20th at $61.9, and the Pistons 24th at $58.7.

And for all you guys saying bring in Kidd, but not Artest, you must be crazy. Where has J Kidd ever fit in and produced a winner? Where has he been where there haven't been problems with his citizenship and team chemistry. Certainly not in Dallas where he, Jim Johnson, and Jamaal Mashburn were all on the same team and couldn't get along. Where has he ever won anything? We don't need this guy. Bring on Ron Ron. He'll flourish here with his buddies Kobe and LO.

What are we going to do with West? We already have a pretty good shooting guard, and at 69, I'd venture to say West has lost a step...

Hey, speaking of West, does anybody remember the intro KHJ -- the old Laker affiliate Channel 9 -- used to open Laker simulcasts? It was a song that started with what sounded like repeated beats of the Game Over buzzer while showing a replay of West sinking his full court shot against the Knicks ... ah, if only we had 3-pointers then...

Let's face it, our unraveling started the day the Logo left town. The bad moves by Kupchak are lengthy - he IS the reason we are where we are. Unfortunately, the Buss family nepotism only makes matters worse. If Kupchak truly cared about this franchise, he would just fall on his sword and resign. Likewise, Jim Buss should just go back to doing what he does best - being a slient partner. Unfortunately, our front office has screwed things up so bad that I don't know what West can do in the short to mid term to fix it. Long term solutions won't cut it due to Kobe's mileage. That is why I suggested in a previous blog that we should explore trade opportunities for Kobe - my heart says don't do it, but my head says it's the only way we can build a talented nucleus. This train is stuck so deep in the ditch that it can only be yanked out with a dramatic pull. It's the only fair thing we can do for both Kobe and the franchise. What a sorry state of affairs Kupchak and the Buss family has created, but we are where we are and it needs serious attention.

HOW ABOUT THOSE NBA PLAYOFFS?

The Lakers may not be in the playoffs but they sure are in the news. That’s one good thing about being a Lakers fan, there is always something happening. As opposed to googling for Timberwolves or Pacers. lol. Anyway, I wanted to put my take out there as to what is what about what is going on.

Kobe has said point blank that is the team’s hesitation to pull the plug to make the team better that has left deals with Carlos Boozer, Ron Artest, and Jason Kidd on the table is not the type of results that were promised when he re-signed. He is right, too.

Of course, in retrospect I didn’t want to trade Lamar for Boozer, but then I had not seen the Carlos Boozer that is playing in Utah this year. In fact, seeing how great Boozer was gave me a little more confidence in the Lakers’ front office. That was a trade that we probably should have made, given the benefit of hindsight.

Ron Artest for Lamar Odom before he went to the Kings? No way. It was a bad deal then and would be a bad deal today. Lamar is just too good. Now, Luke and Cook or Kwame? No problem. Ron is our top priority to make the team tougher and fix our defensive woes at the 3. But it would have been a mistake in my opinion to trade him to the Pacers for Artest. Bored in Sacramento, the time and price is now right for Ron to join the Lakers. Kobe should be pushing this as much as Jerry returning.

Finally, the Lakers made a critical mistake when they turned down the Jason Kidd deal. They chose to protect Andrew Bynum and by doing that broke their promise to Kobe to build a championship team to win now as their highest priority. That move was the straw that broke the chemistry of the team and is now the fuel that is burning the airwaves as Kobe makes a push to bring Jerry West back.

Kobe believes that the Lakers need West’s genius and wiliness to make moves to make the team competitive. He may be right. Without a doubt, Mitch has not been willing to pull the plug on the big deal even though it has been on the table. That assumes, of course, that the decision is Mitch’s.

The only saving grace about this entire Lakers circus is that it won’t be a problem for Jerry West to return. Kobe is only making sure that everybody knows that that is what he wants. The final decisions were never made by Mitch anyway. It always has been and still is Jerry Buss’ show. Jim will have his say, as will Phil, as will Mitch, as will Kobe. But in the end, it will still be Jerry who will have the final say.

That is why you can’t compare Mitch to Brian Colangelo, who really makes all of the basketball decisions for Toronto. What Jerry West can bring to the Lakers, however, is imagination on how to get a deal done, direction as to where to go, a fresh view as to the value and potential of our players, and a guy with the guts to pull the trigger on the big deal.

I think Jerry will come back as a consultant with the special task of upgrading the team’s roster, working with Mitch and the existing front office. No problem. Kobe will consulted extensively. Jerry will say the team is only one or two good players from contention and then will go out and get them. Ron Artest to start with. I will be most interested in what he thinks of Bynum and whether he opts to solve the team’s problems in a way that does not expend Andrew Bynum but includes him.

Anyway, that’s my take on all of this.

Tom

Kobe went from driving a Ferrari to driving a Honda (maybe a kIA). This guy is hell bent on winning, it's in his blood. I really can't blame him for thinking about other options. Laker land has been under a dark cloud ever since J. West headed east. Kobe has pulled them along .... but ... common? Mich Cupcake has got one of the best players to ever play the game driving a Honda. Imagine Kobe playing with the Suns .. just imagine. There's the italian connection with the coach. Super-fast flowing offense .. NASH .. Amari ... Marion ... (okay, maybe they trade Marion for a decent 7 footer and move Amari to full-time PF?). Kobe could win next year .... or ... he could stick around LA and wait for another group of triangle rookies to learn their geometry ... what would you do?

As much as I'd hate to see him go ... I'd completely understand. The Laker organization has droped the ball .. big time.

Sig

AK, Thanks for going on the record. I respect your comments and fully accept them, although we must agree to disagree. In normal circumstances it would be right for Kobe to keep his criticism internal; I also believe that desperate times call for drastic measures.

Edwin Gueco, Jon Kavulic, Fatty -- I appreciate your going on the record as I have.

Kobe going on the record that he wants to remain a Laker is reassuring. What's not reassuring is the circus created by Jimmy Buss, and the platitudes offered by Mitch Kupchak.

What's most nonsensical is what appears to be going on inside the Lakers organization. What's disturbing is that Kobe and the fans see the situation much more clearly than the organization apparently does.

It's time for Dr. Jerry Buss to come front and center and clear the air.

"I wonder if Kobe is mad because Smush is gone? Perhaps Smush was the glue that was holding the team together."

Haha, or maybe he's still mad about the Lakers cutting Tierre Brown?

Edwin,
That book by Vanessa would be really interesting....especially if she's in a lot of pictures haha. But joking aside, that would be interesting...just to get an a little of Kobe's inside perspective on Shaq, Phil, West, Buss, Denver, etc.

Haha, and thanks for noticing my absence, I think you were the only one. Actually, I bet the K brothers noticed but was glad I was gone haha. Well, the main reason I never came to the site is that I have a group of friends who are all Laker fans, and during the season, we are constantly sending email threads discussing the Lakers and basketball and stuff. I guess its our own mini-lakers blog if you will. I actually shouldn't be spending too much time here these days either as I'm taking the DAT in about a month or so...but I can't help it. I'm super pumped to see what happens between now till after the draft.

---

I have to say I'm getting very dissapointed about the growing number of Kobe haters in Lakerland. Online, on sports radio, etc, everywhere I see a growing number of people that actually want Kobe out! I really don't even know how to respond. During the Shaq/Kobe feud I couldn't even listen to sports radio anymore cuz of the majority of fans that blamed Kobe for Shaq leaving....I was afraid I'd lose it and drive off a bridge or something. Now its happening all over again. Its sad cuz us Laker fans get a bad rep nationwide as being "fake" "superficial" "bandwagon" fans. Sadly, at times like this I really wonder if there's any truth to the stereotype in general. Unfortunately, the media's (especially on the east coast) bias against Kobe Bryant affects and influences our very own fans here in LA. Why should they? They watch Kobe play 2-4 times a year and make their generalizations that he's the most selfish guy ever. Then anytime something like this happens, they jump to their conclusion "Kobe is SO selfish, I know this cuz I saw him shoot a lot of shots the 4 times I've seen him play. And now this is proof!". I just wrote an entire dissertation on the Shaq/Kobe feud on another site trying to enlighten people and I got extremely negative reviews back from tons of Kobe haters everywhere.

So just wanted to give props to the Laker fans that put in the effort to know the truth and have the heart to remain loyal. If it weren't for some of the loyal fans on this site, I think I would be a very bitter Laker fan right now.

Off Topic:

Jim Buss this noon told the Loose Cannons that he will be available on radio discussing their draft pick . This is worst than Mike Cuban's interference. Why does he have to discuss what went on with his choices and/or the choices of others? Decision process should be a trade secret. He might repent later on a careless talk that may be misinterpreted and create another hullaballoo. Draft signings may be connected later on with the decision on the Free Agency signings. I'm wary when owners/CEO love to talk about their plans in public using the "I-Me". Maybe, he wants to compete with Donald Trump. It would be great if we just see his face during the Championship night holding the O'Brien trophy, that's our memory of the great Dr. Jerry Buss.

I agree that Kobe shouldn't go public with his latest comments. But it's fine for him ot express his frustrations and requests for help his post game and exit interviews. Yet, he still got criticized. Like the other teams didn't know already that the Lakers need big improvements.

Now, his recent comments have become a media blitz though. I think this time Kobe should've known better.

Just finished a little web surfing around the country and its really funny. Read several stories where the reporter opened the article bashing Kobe for his outburst and then went on to purpose a trade package for him. Because unlike the Kobe Haters on our blog they understand what it takes to win a ring, not just a collection of good to all star players but a collection of good to all star AND a superstar. If you dont think its true just think a moment, with the exception of Detroit (who compensated with 5 all stars) try and think of a team over the last 25 yrs that hasnt had at least one superstar on it. It is much easier to find the parts to go with your superstar then it is to find a superstar to go with your parts.

MH

I completely agree and supports Kobe going public.

I have read Bucher's article. There was nothing there that says Kobe wanted this or wanted that, except that He WANTED better players to play with. That's voicing exactly what we "THE FANS" are saying all throughout the season.

GO KOBE! You have done what is right! This Team does not accepts mediocre personnel decisions, We are the Lakers! NOT just any other team. We play for championships not just games.

Here's what KObe said in His website. http://truth.kb24.com/

The Truth: I haven't asked for a trade

What's up you all.

Haven't checked in in a while,

I'm sure you guys have been hearing all this and that and are not sure what to think or believe.

The Truth section was created for times such as these.

So here's tha deal:

I have NOT asked to be traded, I don't want to be traded and I have given no ultimatums or demands of being traded.

I love it here in LA, my family loves it here.

I've been a laker fan my whole life. A REAL Laker fan! I'm talkin Silk Wilks days, and know the history of the Lakers going back to George Mikan era. I WANT to retire a Laker and contend for titles.

It is my opinion that Mr Clutch, one of the greatest GMs the game has ever seen would b able to get us to back to that level sooner rather than later.

If he is available, then it makes sense to give him the reigns and let him do what he does BEST. I KNOW I can trust him to build us an elite team.

I'm tired of losing and I'm sure you guys are tired of it as well.

Now is the time to step up and make some things happen. We have all have waited patiently for three years...Let's GO!

- Strength and Honor

The Lakers don't need West. They need Dr. Buss to green light going way over the cap in the 08 season. Brian Grant is finally off the books... spend the money on ballers.

AK,

So he shouldn't have gone public hunhh?? Why then does he have the support of a vast majority of the blog? Oh yeah, lemme guess, blind-love.

Kobe is simply saying what we've all been thinking out loud, media included. What mitch needs to do soon as league rules allow(think that's when west's contract expires) is release a statement saying something to the effect of "West was my mentor and I would love to have him back within the laker organization". Make west head of basketball operations, similar to jordan in charlotte. Mitch get's to keep his current job, only Mitch and not either of the buses has a final say in the trade. Essentially Kobe is calling for Jimmy Boi's job not cupcakes.

Go Lakers.

So many people have been crying for KG to request a trade to the Lakers, because he obviously shouldn't be unhappy about having soo much talent and losing season after season.

I"m very happy Kobe won't let his career go to waiste carelessly sitting by while catching all the heat for a sorry management, and a very weak roster.

there's too many deep teams out there that he can go to that could still keep a significant core of talent if he decides to opt out.

I for one think........next season needs to start without the TRIANGLE.

AK,
Too much journalism dilutes your resolve. Break out from the crowd and be a Laker in fact! Here's my answer to you.

So, does it serve the Lakers best if Kobe spoke openly as he did, or should he have kept his mouth shut in public?

I'll say up front, I am a Laker 1st, and a Kobe fan 1st also!

I am siding completely with Kobe on this one for two reasons:
1) In the last 3 years he has been the constant cheerleader for the team, not ever whining or complaining. He has earned the right to talk.

2) The Lakers are a very special team and can't go the way of the Celtics or Nicks! Kobe is a Laker. He is one of very few Great players, unique, filling every stadium he steps in. He works on his game constantly.

At this junction of time, he and Jerry Buss are the Lakers! period. Not Jim or Mitch...

He has earned every right to speak openly and loudly. We don't want to remain an average team.

Baywood

AK,
Another point you made is that Kobe should speak his mind, but that there is little to gain from going public. I totally disagree again.

It takes courage to speak clearly and openly. Kobe is voicing exactly how true Lakers feel.

If things don't work out so be it! at least we went into the fray standing up, rather than crawling.

Remember, we are talking Lakers and Kobe. We are not talking average.

Baywood

Speaking of poor front office moves... wasn't Kwame a FA when we traded for him in a sign-and-trade for Caron Butler and Atkins? Couldn't we have gotten him without giving up Butler? Wasn't part of the reason we gave up Caron was that we thought we had enough 3's (Jumaine Jones, Kareem Rush, Luke Walton, Devean George) and didn't think we could afford him too? Yet what do we do? We lose all of those forwards (except Walton...so far) and sign Radman and also extend B. Cook. How is that improvement?

The problem isn't that good FA's don't want to play with Kobe, I think it's that good FA's don't want to play for an organization that has no clue what they're doing in the front office. They tell us they are not going to sign a FA so they can wait until '07, then tie up all their money in an extension for Kwame and Cook.

Let's evaluate how the front office has done recently:
Free agent signings: Divac, Jimmy Jackson, Aaron McKie, Shammond, Smush, Radman (Grade: F)
Trades: Acquired: B. Grant, L, Odom, C. Butler, Mihm, Atkins, J. Jones, Kwame, Profit, Mo Evans. Lost: Shaq, C. Butler, Atkins, J. Jones, Gary Payton, Rick Fox (ret). Grade: D+
Draft: Cook, Walton, Sasha, Douthit, Bynum, Wafer, Farmar (Grade: C)

How can Kobe have confidence in a front office that grades out like Blutarsky and CO from Delta House? Maybe Kobe felt like he had to be Dean Wormer since the front office has been on double secret probation the last 3 years.

AK great stuff...

I still think you need to look at the logic behind the moves at the time...I still maintain Butler for Brown made alot of sense,as did Vlad Rad...I mean they couldnt have known he was going to go snowboarding...as Charles Barkley says 'Any shot that goes in is good and any shot that doesnt is bad'or something like that.

Depending on how cynical you want to be...how much of this public feuding is just applying the 'any publicity is good publicity' theory.? mean the conference finals are reaching their peak and Kobe and the lakers are still getting the headlines despite being eliminated two rounds ago.

Like you AK....Part of me just refuses to believe they are all that stupid!

I had to get back on here from my short hiatus.... you know how it goes...Kobe/Laker news...

I think West will come back as a consultant to Mitch Cupcake and will help bring in great players.

Anyone who thinks Kobe will be traded or should be traded is completely crazy!!!!! HE'S NOT GOING ANYWHERE!

He's doing the right thing by making his wishes known. I wouldn't be surprised if Phil and Jeanie were all behind this to get LA management to get off their asses.

Horry on Kobe situation:

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA052907.03X.BKNspurs.notebook.3cb7047.html

Questioning Kobe: Three of Robert Horry's championships were earned while he was a teammate of Kobe Bryant on the Lakers. When Horry heard of Bryant lobbying for the return of Jerry West to a position of power on the Lakers, Horry asked an interesting question.

"The question is," Horry said, "does Phil want Jerry back? And does the man who's paying the bills want him back?"

Phil is Lakers coach Phil Jackson. The man who signs the Lakers' checks is the team's majority owner, Dr. Jerry Buss.

West's tenure with the Grizzlies ends July 1.

Horry said he did not think Bryant's position would carry as much weight as some believe.

"I know people have been pointing their fingers at him," Horry said, "but a player can say what he wants. The ultimate decision is with the owner and the GM."

Horry said players such as Bryant have a right to express themselves about operations.

"I think if you're the focal point of the team, it's your right to voice your opinion," Horry said, "because if anything goes bad, they're going to blame you."

Horry recalled Bryant as a good teammate whose occasional conflicts with coaches and teammates resulted from his competitive nature.

"People always talk about him, but to me, he was a great teammate," Horry said. "He's a competitor, and people always misconstrued that about his cockiness and not liking people and not doing certain things, but he just clearly wanted to win. That's a good teammate."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I've always loved Big Shot Horry.^--^

ATTENTION BLOGGERS ; HAPPY DAYS ARE ABOUT TO BE HERE AGAIN
HOSTAGE UPDATE: DAY (22)
DAY 18 GARNETT HELD HOSTAGE BY MINNESOTA FOR RANSOM BY LAKERS.

Laker Fans could this whole Kobe demands Jerry West back thing be a carefully cultivated plan by the
Lakers to bring Jerry West back while at the same time letting Mitch Kupchak down easy by letting Kobe
take the heat for forcing the Lakers to bring back Jerry West. The Lakers know drastic changes are needed.
They also know that Mitch is a loyal employee who has taken the shaft for numerous goofs that Jim Buss has
made. To just dump a loyal employee is not the Lakers way.But this way they can ease Mitch out and give him
some superfluous title. Actually they don't even have to remove Mitch. They can just say Jerry West will be a
special consultant when in fact West will actually be running the show. This way Mitch can save face. Jerry West
won't have to take on the heavy role of forcing out a loyal employee and best of all the old wheeler dealer West can
get this organization back in shape. The Lakers had to admit they needed Phil Jackson and brought him back.
Now they have to admit they need Jerry West and bring him back. I also believe that this means that KG will
be a Laker sooner rather than later. So you know what this means.
ROLL CALL:

Faith, Edwin Gueco,, KEIFO, FATTY, MITCHELL, KIWI, RespectMyAuthorith,
TIM-4-SHOW, WESJOENIXON, TALIQ, BAYWOOD, Khang, Bobie,SBPIMP
NEVER, CALI KING, RICK FRIEDMAN,THIRTY2, WOW, EXHELODRVR
JJ, AJAX, MIKE T., LAKERTOM, LAKERFAN, DAVID WHANG, GENERIC_ONE
VMAN, KOREY, XTRO, Tha Show, MCGARNAGLE, GUGY, GDChild, Laker4Life
KL BEAST, Jorema, FearlessWhackJob, MARTY, JANDRO, LAKERFAZE, PhxLkrFAN,
TexasLaker, BOB, TreacherousBalloons, EagleBoy, TWOODY, EASTCOASTJESSIE,
Zakee, Swettual, Utzworld, Andrew Z, LAL Fan, BRANDON C., Kinglakernidas,
Fan of Mamba, Mamba24Fan4Life, BlackMamba24, FKilla, CYRUS(VENTRILIQUIST)
Waterboy, Hariyahu, ADAM KILEY,Bynum=The BigLazy, ZEN, SARCOCOP,
COMPTONS FINEST, MIGUELINHO, Greek Dude, J.Walter Weatherman, SOCALIFE,
Greekdude, Michael J, Michael H, Michael A., Rick Friedman, Gunner24, GINO,
CBUCK,LAKERGURL, CRITICAL BEATDOWN, PFUNK36, PAUL LEE, Jay EL
WEAVE MAN, JON KAVULIC, Tajluck, James da Kingpin, BERKLEYLAKER,
DION, KARL, CRAIG, MITCHELL, Lakers4Life, JimBussIsAMoron, JR, Dascilla
GABE, SEAN P., HanSoulFood, HollywoodJack, TheKobeShow, Jay Jay, TaosHum
Caeser, Obel, CHITOWNLAKER, ANGRYLAKER LAKER FANS, wiZo, MagicShaq,
HugoBoss, OSCAR, RDLEE, RealityBites, LakerLarry, Bucky, LEELO, BikBlonde,
ALL TOGETHER NOW

“JERRY WEST IS THE BEST KB + KG = DYSNASTY
JERRY WEST IS THE BEST KB + KG = DYSNASTY
JERRY WEST IS THE BEST KB + KG = DYSNASTY”

Hey Laker Larry

Jason Kidd has never won because he's never had the right finisher with him. Mash and Jackson could not do it. In Phoenix, it was poor timing with the Shaq/Kobe era going on.
In New Jersey, he could not finish because of his jumpshot and Kenyon Martin's limitations.
The problems now are still the jumpshot but it includes Vince hype Carter.

He's never played with a true finisher like KOBE.
JKidd would be great here.

Hey Jon Kavulic
No way we should have kept Bynum for Jason Kidd.
You need a warrior, not a pup who might take an unknown amount of time to grow up.

Sigi:

The whole problem with your post is that Kobe was navigating the Ferrari. Shaq was driving it. Kobe wanted to drive. The problem is that, after Shaq was forced out of the driver's seat, the only car the Lakers could get for Kobe was a KIA.

Rick:

I agree wholeheartedly. Buss needs to step in, step up, and set the agenda. The fact that Kobe is making these comments indicates chaos reigns in the FO.

But the damage has mostly been done. It's hard to imagine that Jerry West -- the greatest general manager in modern pro sports history -- can snap his fingers and put the Lakers on par with the Spurs, Suns and Mavs. The roster and cap situation is what it is.

Tom,
what are you talking about?

The key element in all of those deals NOT done was the Lakers reluctance to trade Andrew Bynum...

Boozer for Bynum... YOU GOTTA DO THAT!!!

check Stephen Smiths ESPN video ...

Of course the lakers wouldnt trade Odom... it''s Bynum they have to pull the plug on if they want another star back to HELP THE TEAM WIN NOW...

Kobe doesn't like to be traded...he emulates Michael Jordan' s game, style and competitiveness but not the character Jordan has. Jordan was a patient player. he works pretty hard after a failed season by coming back with a vengeance. Jordan waited 7 to 8 years before winning 6 champinoships. Kobe? only 3 yrs of waiting?..and he is now moaning..Be patient Kobe and there will be more good days coming up for you..i still think Kobe will not be traded because he emulates Jordan by staying with only one team throughout his championship carrer until he grows old(moves to Wizards)....i might be wrong(Kobe might suit up with his hometown Sixers when grows older)..goodluck Kobe and to the Laker fans like me..Ronald is a Laker fan since 1980.

if Kobe insists on trading him..Just trade him to Phoenix for Barbosa and Marion..i think Kobe will win 3 more Trophies there

Mamba24...

I sure hope it happens. WEST/PHIL/KOBE/KG... that would be an awesome situation.

gdchild, "Horry on Kobe situation:"
Great article GD thanks. I agree I also always liked Big Shot Rob.

“JERRY WEST IS THE BEST KB + KG = DYSNASTY
JERRY WEST IS THE BEST KB + KG = DYSNASTY
JERRY WEST IS THE BEST KB + KG = DYSNASTY”

Mamba24, I am with you!

“JERRY WEST IS THE BEST KB + KG = DYSNASTY
JERRY WEST IS THE BEST KB + KG = DYSNASTY
JERRY WEST IS THE BEST KB + KG = DYSNASTY”

I love Horry, specially after he gave Nash that bump. Good job! :-)

JERRY WEST IS COMING TO TOWN!

Mark my words!

LET THE KOBE HATERS PILE ON.

go ahead, and attack kobe for speaking his mind. SO MUCH FOR HIM BEING SO REHEARSED, AND NEVER BEING REAL. i guess you can't hate kobe for that any longer. then again, with haters - anything is possible. to quote ice t, "i hate the air."

the lakers star player is saying what needs to be said:

the talent on this roster is not contender material. and the talent on this roster is a direct product of the front office.

so we have an inept front office, guess what? we'll have an inept roster.

while kupchak wonders how he will get it done, jerry west just GETS IT DONE.

jerry west simply has much more experience, more clout and better relationships around the league THAN mitch kupchak.

that is not a knock on kupchak, it really is a compliment for jerry west.

so if the haters still want to hate on kobe for "breaking" up the dynasty, go ahead. mistakes were made, and you have to move on in life.

this guy won 3 titles in a row, what did you think his reaction would be after three lackluster seasons?

but you can't hate kobe for demanding & expecting to win. and you can't hate kobe for pointing out the two idiot elephants in the living room. nobody else had the balls to publicly call out jim buss (his boss's son) and mitch kupchak, and demand that they STEP UP THEIR GAME.

shoot, if the owner isn't call out the front office to step it up - SOMEBODY HAS TO!

and i am not saying a parade should be thrown for kobe speaking his mind.

however, he shouldn't be hated for doing so either.

kobe has been giving his all the past 3 seasons.

and he's simply asking for the front office to do the same thing.

and if they can't step their game up, kobe thinks jerry west is the guy who can turn this ship around.

my sentiments exactly.

that's all. the media & haters will make this more than it really is.

so go ahead haters, enjoy.

EastCoastJessie, Gugy thanks. Now hopefully the Lakers don't wait to long
in getting West back.

Marc Stein predict what is going to happen.
Cupcake stays under West wing.

Then,
Jim Buss hopefully wil be quiet and shut up and listen to master Yoda West.
Kobe will be happy
KG is coming to town! (PLEASE!)
Good point guard joining Lakerland
Artest coming and becoming for the first time civilized.
Rings will follow.

Boy, I am optimistic! :-)

tha Show "LET THE KOBE HATERS PILE ON."
Beautiful Show! I think you spoke the sentiments of most of
us in the Blog. Right ON!

I respect a lot of the opinions expressed on this blog. Many of the bloggers here are informed and speak from the heart as true fans.

I have to, however, disagree with many of you.
AK, you're absolutely correct. Kobe's timing and words (at this point) do absolutely nothing for the organization. I am a Kobe fan, but first and foremost I am a Laker fan. I ask fellow bloggers to detach their emotions and frustrations from their responses and tell me how Kobe going public with his frustration does anything positive for the organization.
Kobe has struck a chord with FANS who share in his frustration and desire to win. However frustrated fans and the star player get, it does not change the situation. What's done in the past is done. Focusing on the past failure and going public with sentiments of Dissent and "managerial upheaval" do nothing to move this organization forward. Besides, until July 1st the team can't do anything anyway. Why open your mouth now? Why open your mouth to the public?
The team has limited money and tradeable assets. I'm frustrated also. I wish "The Logo" would come waive his magic wand and fix everything. The problem is, West doesn't own a magic wand. It doesn't matter who's making the phone calls, unless we have something worth offering, we aren't getting anything in return.
All this said, what was Kobe thinking? Why make comments like these? What happens when West decides relaxing and watching his grandkids grow up is better than anything the Lakers have to offer? Now what, Kobe? You went and opened your mouth, expressing TO THE PUBLIC your lack of confidence in your bosses. What happens when nothing changes?
For a player who says he wants to be a Laker forever, he isn't displaying the kind of effort and actions i would expect from a loyal employee. His words should have been kept behind closed doors.

An aside: Until kobe shows 100% effort on defense, i don't want to hear about his lack in confidence in teammates, coaches or management. Go to work. Do your job.

Play D!!!

Mamba24, thanks for the props.

Kobe waited patiently for 3 years after he's re-signed with the Lakers. He's 29 next season and his prime was wasted. Time to step up and request the FO to actually build a contender now.

Baywood,

"Too much journalism dilutes your resolve. Break out from the crowd and be a Laker in fact"

Actually, you've got it reversed. My thoughts come considerbaly more from the perspective of a fan, not a writer. If I were thinking about this purely as a journalist, I'd want to Kobe to talk publicly as much as possible. It makes my job easier, because it helps create a story. It gives me something to write about in the offseason, when nothing's happening. It keeps more spotlight on this team, which, in turn, can help keep more spotlight on this blog. If I were thinking from the perspective of a journalist, the last thing I'd want is for Kobe to shut up.

No, I'm thinking about this as a fan, because the Lakers are my favorite team in sports. I want this team to do well. Because I want this team to do well, I 'd like them to have the easiest route possible towards adding quality pieces around Kobe. And the more Kobe expresses that he doesn't trust management, that something must be done ASAFP to make him happy, that he's losing patience by the nano-second, the harder it becomes for the front office to actually do something to make him happy, because they're working from an increasingly disadvantaged position. The more it appears like the Lakers are desperate working against a clock to make something, the worse it grows for the Lakers when it comes to making a quality trade.

That's my point. Kobe's hurting his own cause by speaking out. He's making it harder for his wishes to become a reality. He's getting in his own way. And everything becomes that much worse now if Jerry West doesn't end up on board, because it fuels the perception that Kobe's even MORE unhappy. It's already gonna be tough enough as it is to make something happen, given the Lakers only have 3 tradeable chips, two of which are having value-lowering surgery (Kwame, LO) and one who's almost impossible to trade straight up for anyone who'll make an immediate impact (Bynum). Do we really wanna throw another obstacle in Kupchak's way?

People keep harping on the idea that Kobe's "earned the right" to speak publicly. You're missing the point. This isn't a matter of whether or not he's within his rights. It's a matter of whether speaking publicly the smart approach. Whether it's the practical approach. Whether it's the approach that best serves the bigger picture. I'm sorry, but it's not. And if you're truly concerned about the team's ability to make something happen, you'll root for Kobe to keep these sentiments in house.

AK

I think Kobe should speak his mind.....his has not said nothing different than what you all have been saying for months......now that Kobe has spoke out it's a problem......and AK no he should not keep his mouth shut....he is the one on that court night in and night out trying to get the job done...he knows that he doesnt have many years left.....he trying to get a ring before he's to old......Go Kobe! Speak your mind........Fight for the fans........

After reading severla of the comments made by Kobe recently, I must admit that i do not like his current approach to helping spur the team on to improve. It is not his place to start going into these specific matters.

Talking about bringing back Jerry West who is still currently under contract with the Grizzlies is wrong. Talking about the number of players the Lakers have not acquired the past 3 years is wrong as well. It is not his place to do so. It can only lead to dissention among the Lakers organization. As Jerry West has stated, he is a very close friend of Mitch Kupchak's. No matter how Kobe now tries to soften his comments or justify them, they have left a feeling that he is dissatisfied with the job that Mitch has done and thinks that brining back Jerry West will be much better for the team. Jerry has stated that he will not come back if it presents an issue of Mitch being pushed aside. Kobe should have thought about that before making those public comments.

As for Artest and the others, if the Lakers had aquired those guys at the time when they were available....people would have been complaining big time back then. Think about it, until this season both Boozer and Davis spent most of the past 2 seasons previously....injured. Considering what it would have taken to get the two of them, the Lakers would have been left with nothing if they were injured. People.....including Kobe....would have been complaining then about how bad a decision it was to get injured players on the team. Furthermore, both guys are still considered high injury risks as is guys like T-Mac, Vince Carter and AK47. Who can guarantee what will happen to them next season? It is easy to complain about not getting a player when they are playing extremely well. However, that is only part of the story. As for Artest, for as many positives he brings to the table he brings an equal amount of negatives. Although the idea of bringing him in does look very tempting, no is no guarantee how his attitude will be. He could explode at any time, and then what?

My point is that Kobe shouldn't have brought up these issues especially when we are still a WHOLE MONTH away from the Lakers being able to do anything about them. I could see it if it was July29th and the Lakers hadn't made any moves yet. He is throwing all these complaints out there with the Lakers not being able to do anything yet! It's wrong!

tiffany,

What is speaking on May 28th going to do for a situation that can't begin changing until at least after the playoffs are over in June? What Kobe is doing is like a man complaining about shoveling snow in the winter.....when it is still the fall. If he is going to complain at least wait until it is relevant for the time.

Now as it relates to the details of his complaint, he is out of order and is literally hurting the delicate state of the franchise. If he wants Jerry West back....he should be telling that to Mitch and Jerry Buss.....not the media. By saying it to the media, all he does is cause dissention between him and management. He is going to make trading him be the best decision before long....if he isn't careful.

Taliq,

"So he shouldn't have gone public hunhh?? Why then does he have the support of a vast majority of the blog? Oh yeah, lemme guess, blind-love."

No, I wouldn't say it's blind-love. I just think you're reacting with a purely emotional response, but not addressing the after-effects and practicalities of the situation. Kobe speaking out makes the front office's mission to add quality pieces around him, already a daunting task given their lack of assets, that much more daunting. That's my point. If Kobe really wants these moves made, he'll do his part to make the front office's job easier. He's not doing that right now. At worst, he's shooting himself in the foot. At best, he's stubbing his toes against a table leg hard enough to break them. Either way, it's not preferable.

Again, people need to stop focusing on whether Kobe has "the right" to speak his mind publicly or not. That's a secondary issue at best. And it's also not about whether or not what Kobe is saying is correct. Again, beside the point. It's about whether going to the media with these thoughts is the wisest approach towards getting what he wants. I feel strongly that it's not.

AK

Benny Blanca, "whats done is done"
Good post Mr. Blanco. By the way I enjoyed your scene with Al Pacino.
I have a few brief points of disagreement with your post. "What's done in the past is done".
If that was the case Phil Jackson never would have returned to the Lakers.
"The team has limited tradeable assets" Thats exactly the point. The team had limited tradeable assets
but somehow they were able to trade for Shaq. How was that possible. It was possible because they
had a GM by the name of Jerry West. "Until Kobe shows 100% effort on defense" Lets see do you want 100%
effort on defense which produces 75% effort on offense, or do you want a reasonable balance.
Besides, even though it was a pyaback for not being named MVP kobe was named 1st team ALL Defense.
"why make comments like these!" Because for three years no comments was made and you see the
results. Smush Parker and kwame for Caron Butler. It will take something like your main star complaining
to get management to move. You heard management say at the end of the season they want to
see what a full injury free season will produce. Does that sound like change to you.

well... Kobe did a great thing by posting on his KB24 site... he has clearly stated his case and... HE'S RIGHT! LOL! At first it sounded like Kobe wanted to be traded but now things are getting much clearer...

If somebody wants to make a trade with the Lakers, who do they talk to? If they talk to Mitch, can they get a final decision from Mitch? Obviously, no... Mitch has to balance between Phil and Jim Buss but... who is making the final decision of these 3? Is it Mitch? obviously not, he can present ideas but Jim Buss can shoot them down. Phil? Clearly, Phil is not making the final decisions or we would have a vastly different roster. Look at the roster, is this a Phil Jackson roster? Uh, yeah, that answers that question. So the "vision" of the Lakers is Jim Buss, isn't it, basically? Whether it is stated or not, Mitch, Kobe, Phil and anybody else can present an idea but it has to go through Jim Buss, does it not? If Jim Buss does not approve, it ain't happening and looking at the actions the last 2 years... Kobe has every right to say, "hey! where's the beef?"

Kobe is clearly stating his case, which is a good one. Bring in Jerry West, give him final say and develop a roster around Kobe, like they said they would and stop living for a few years in the future. Kobe is here now, in his prime and it's time to stop taking half measures and go for it now, not later, otherwise, why is Kobe here unless it is to maintain season tix sales, right?

One other quick thing, you have to admire Kobe, some guys get the big contract and then relax and stop putting out the effort. Kobe got the big contract and is going full throttle. You gotta love that...

Taliq, "Essentially Kobe is calling for Jimmy Boi's job not cupcakes."
Great perception there my brother. This is the key point. Kobe
Knows Jimmy Boi is the son of the Owner so to come out and make
a frontal attack is a no win situation. So instead of attacking any
individual person he simply says bring back West. Now if Jerry
thinks Jimmy Boi is more valuable than Kobe so be it. Then let
Kobe walk, if you don't then he'll opt out. Aw yeah I think
Kobe's complaining will do some good. Those folks aren't paying
$2000 to see Jimmy Boi they are paying that to see the Mamba.
Taliq as always you say more with fewer words than any
one I know. Props as always brother.

JJ,

great points. maybe kobe should have kept his comments private. maybe kobe should have had lunch with dr. buss to discuss his opinion on club matters.

then again, kobe is human. i know we all find ourselves venting about things we are frustrated with to the wrong people. it happens.

kobe has been waiting 3 years for some legitimate talent.

instead a project team has been built around him.

while you may not like kobe venting to the press, can you at least understand his frustration? or is that without merit as well?

at least we know what kobe thinks, straight from the source.. no speculation, no conspiracy theories, no laker insider telling us what kobe thinks.

he is not happy with the progress (or lack thereof) the lakers have made in the last 3 seasons.

and neither am i.

while that won't make the lakers a contender, i am at least satisfied to know that our best player (the player we ask the most of) is asking for more of the front office.

AK....

You are judging Kobe action of speaking out, without really knowing what's going on behind the curtains?

Maybe, and you should stated that, Kobe is doing this because he had spoke many times in the past, and his words were just ignored.
Maybe he is doing it, because Jim is undermining Phil leadership and is throwing a lot of non sense by his mouth.
Maybe he is doing it because there is an abysmal difference of what coaches wants and Jim vision.
Maybe, just maybe, we can give him some benefits of the doubt, because "Desperate matters equal desperate measures".

Kobe sees the impasse, and how dysfunctional the direction of the Lakers is becoming. In fact, when he said he favored a trade for some good a player (we all know the names) is a signal that he already exhausted the “on family” option of talk.

So, this isn't an ultimatum, and yes... this is just a desperate intent to get across his point and let fans know what kind of waters are running in the river, under the bridge.

If he wants to make sure what kind of commitment he is going to get with a front office that show ineptitude, focus and tentativeness. This stir is worth it.

He can’t afford to wait indefinite time for the brass management to wake up or understand what they and everybody already know: This team needs some more pieces to be a contender.

Teams that are no longer in the playoffs can start making trades, as long as it doesn't involve players that are not under contract (i.e. free agents).

That means the Lakers and Pacers could make a trade right now.

Mamba24,

If you are going to discuss this at least have true facts.

Phil coming back doesn't change the past that had already happened. All it did was allow a new chapter with him as the Lakers' coach to be written.

Jerry West didn't trade for Shaq....he traded for the draft rights to Kobe Bryant. As for Shaq, he was a free agent who already wanted to come to LA. That is MUCH different.

I agree that Kobe should bring more effort defensively. However, I do understand the battle between offense and defense. No player can bring an equal amount of both consistently every night. Some nights something has got to give. However, Kobe's main responsibility should be his play on the court.

Considering that no moves can be made at least until draft day, Kobe should have held his comments for a little while longer. As it relates to the content of his comments, I would have preferred that he refrained because he is tlaking about things that are beyond him. It is obvious that he doesn't know all of the inner workings of the teams' negotiations based on the fact that he said..."I don't know why they didn't get any of these guys..." Many times people criticize without having all of the facts. It's easy to criticize, but what would you do in that position? As good a GM as Dumars has been....was it a wise decision to take Darko over Carmelo, Wade, and Bosh? That just proves that anybody can make a bad move.....

I agree with management. We have NEVER seen a full injury free season with this team. Consider if Shaq had been injured the first season under Phil, how do we know what would have happened that season. We don't because he went the whole season healthy. Utah could have given up on Boozer after 2 seasons of injuries.....how many knew he would break out this year? It's easy to criticize now.

The mark of a great GM is not only being able to make the great moves...it is knowing when to not make the moves and hold with what you have.

(channeling Yoda) "Yes! Yes! To AK you listen!"

JJ: I think you've hit on it. Kobe's speaking out may be satisfying to his fans, but it might ultimately be counterproductive.

Benny Blanco: "The team had limited tradeable assets but somehow they were able to trade or Shaq. Houw is that possible. It was possible because they had a GM by the name of Jerry West."

Jerry West DID pull one of the greatest coups in Laker history by ACQUIRING Shaq as a FREE AGENT and trading for Kobe in the same summer. He used his powers of persuasion and credibility to sway Shaq to sign. And as he said on Dan Patrick, the Lakers were fortunate because Orlando didn't match the deal. But he didn't trade for Shaq. As JJ says, West can't fix this mess overnight.

Ric Bucher said today that Kobe may be positioning himself for a move without really coming out and demanding a trade, because, as Plaschke said, to out and out demand a trade would blow the tires off of his bandwagon. It's possible -- POSSIBLE, not PROBABLE -- that Kobe sees the writing on the wall. As Mamba24 pointed out, management may be hinting that major moves aren't going to be made. Maybe major moves CAN'T be made. So maybe Kobe's interested in moving. Don't be surprised if Bucher is right.

Mamba24

Aye Aye...will be absent today but leave to you the Kobe's fort.

JIM BUSS IS THE CANCER OF THE LAKERS ORGANIZATION!
Get rid of him, Ask Dr. Buss to get him a job for the Sparks or something else.

jorema,

Maybe, Maybe, Maybe.......the bottomline is that he went public about something that can't truly change until June or July. That's the facts, not a maybe.

Andrew Z,

I have NEVER heard of a team making a trade while the playoffs are still going. Where did you find it documented that this is possible?