After regurgitating the same Devin Green story over and over
We're instead gonna provide some fresh news about a cat garnering precious little ink these days. Kobe Bryant.
It's been kept on the low low, but those in the loop say his Mamba-ness is open to a trade outta L.A. Along those lines, he'd be more than happy to slip on a Chi-Town jersey, but at least one odds maker calls that bet a loser. The "list" doesn't include his hometown stomping grounds, which could save perennially surly Philadelphians some belly aching down the road. And while Kobe heading to America's hairspray capital was never in the cards, it would appear that a certain Jersey player won't be available even if the Lakers are willing to ship Andrew Bynum's ass out. In any event, no matter what Kobe feels he's owed (and some would dispute that notion), the Lakers are still the ones holding pocket aces, according to Mark Heisler.
************************************************************************************
* ATTENTION BLOGGERS : TODAY IS DEDICATED TO MIKE TIENTE *
************************************************************************************
Todays News: ALL MIKE T. ALL THE TIME: AND NOW MIKE TS GREATEST HITS
(10) BILL PLASCHKE!, I can't speak for everyone but there hundreds of thousands reasons why people are loyal to Kobe Bryant.
It's simple: We're not white. To be completely honest: I don't believe a thing white reporters have to say. Bill Plaschke insults my
intelligence. Word around the league is that nobody want to come to Los Angeles and play for Phil Jackson. They're saying without
Kobe Bryant why would we want to go to Los Angeles? And when it's all said and done the White media is going to blame us
9. Say what you will BUT NOBODY AROUND THE LEAGUE WANT TO PLAY FOR PHIL JACKSON. Watch how many free agents
that can make a difference we sign this year. NONE! They're not coming to Los Angeles. If Kobe Bryant isn't happy you think they're
coming around? HELL NO! Are you so lost as to think that players around the league haven't heard the whispers about what it's like
playing for Phil Jackson these days? Come on man. Mike Posted by: Michael Teniente | June 20, 2007 at 10:20 AM
8 . If people are going to put Kobe Bryant to the fire then you better put Phil Jackson right next to his ass, too. If Kobe is to blame
Phil Jackson even more. Mike Posted by: Michael Teniente | June 20, 2007 at 10:31 AM
7. The idea that they're aren't whisper out there. Hell they're yelling it at the mountain tops...STARTING WITH KOBE BRYANT
DEMANDING A TRADE! Get real. Mike Posted by: Michael Teniente | June 20, 2007 at 10:35 AM
6. Hell, all I need is for Lamar Odom to call his N.Y. friends to spread the word. Come to Los Angeles and Phil Jackson is going to
chew you up through the white media. Not Lamar? Well, then Kobe can make a few calls. Not Kobe? Well, then Kwame...Andrew.
...Mo Evans. Word is going to spread because one way or the other Phil Jackson is out of here. Mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | June 20, 2007 at 11:15 AM
5. PhxLkrFan, I don't give a damn what you say. No free agents are going to sign with the Lakers. Not any that are any good.
NOBODY WANTS TO PLAY FOR PHIL JACKSON. And if word isn't already out believe by the time thing is all over it will be.
Mike Posted by: Michael Teniente | June 20, 2007 at 10:33 AM
4. Lamar, do yourself a favor. Call Artest and Marbury and get them to spread the word. Los Angeles is no place to be playing
as long as Phil Jackson is the coach. Tell them what the white media will do to them if they come to Los Angeles. Kobe, Lamar,
Kwame, Bynum, Get on the damn phone and start spreading the word of what it's like to be playing for Phil Jackson and in front
of the white media in Los Angeles. , Year after year the white media is always finding ways to trash you guys. This is your opportunity
to strike back. Get on the phone and call all of your NBA friends and tell them what it's like to play for Phil Jackson and the white media in
Los Angeles. Oh wait a minute. They already made those phone calls from the mid season point that's why the Lakers won't be able to
sign any free agents this season. Kobe, Lamar, Kwame, Bynum, and Evans are saying: Damn mike t. you're on the late freight. That was
done a long time ago LAMAR, KWAME, BYNUM, EVANS, If you guys had any type of dignity for your race, you'll get the hell out of here
as soon as you can. We'll teach this MFer to F with us. Posted by: Michael Teniente | June 20, 2007 at 11:18 AM
3. The Knicks have more integrity than the Lakers do right now. You know why? Because Larry Brown did what Phil Jackson
did this year and the Knicks owner fired his ass. Posted by: Michael Teniente | June 20, 2007 at 11:42 AM
(2) . MFers, you want to play hardball? Lets play hardball. By the time I'm done there will be no Superstars coming to Los Angeles. .
I told you I was going to punk your asses Mike Posted by: Michael Teniente | June 20, 2007 at 10:41 AM
*****************************(****** AND NOW THE NUMBER ONE MIKE T. SAYING OF ALL TIME ******************************************************
(1) IM MIKE T. MFer! WHO ARE YOU? DO PEOPLE COME ON THIS BLOG TO READ ANDREW WHO? MIKE T. HAS AND ALWAYS
WILL BE HEARD. AND THATS SOMETHING YOU CANT SAY ABOUT YOURSELF Posted by: Michael Teniente | June 20, 2007 at 02:34 PM
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HONERABLE MENTION It was close but steven wins
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*** “ My sometimes CONTROVERSIAL, POINT-BLANK and HONEST reviews are what brought this blog from 25-35 reader
post per day to the present 300-400 daily post which almost brought the NGRATEFUL PAIR an AWARD for Blogging
EXCELLENCE from the LATIMES. (they ended up being bridesmaids)
My HAIR will fall out like BK's before I stoop-down and blindly walk LOCKSTEP to the beat of Kobe Bryant.
OUT!!! The truth OUT!!! Posted by: Steven | June 20, 2007 at 01:58 PM
******************************************************************************
And now.ROLLLLLLLLLLL CALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL:
Faith, Taliq, Edwin Gueco,, KEIFO, FATTY, MITCHELL, KIWI, RespectMyAuthorith,
TIM-4-SHOW, WESJOENIXON, TALIQ, BAYWOOD, Khang, Bobie,SBPIMP, OMG
NEVER, CALI KING, RICK FRIEDMAN,THIRTY2, WOW, EXHELODRVR, J-COOL
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,Staples24
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,
Mfeige, Stples24, Reggie, Hollywood Jack, Reality Check Time
ALL TOGETHER NOW
WE ARE THE FREAKIN LA LAKERS THE WINNERS OF 14 NBA TITLES
THE HOME OF WILT, KAREEM, GEORGE MIKAN, SHAQ, MAGIC, KOBE,
ELGIN BAYLOR, JERRY WEST, PAT RILEY, JAMES WORTHY, SILK
COACHED BY THE 9 TIME TITLE WINNER PHIL (9RINGS) JACKSON
AND NO ONE AND NOTHING WILL EVER DIVIDE OR CONQUER US
Posted by: Mamba24 | June 21, 2007 at 10:40 AM
I disagree with heisler that they have nothing to lose by holding on to him another year...although they may do they should simply trade him when they receive an acceptable deal whenever that may be.
They are jsut delaying the inevitable and by keeping and hoping they cna make him happy they will have to make moves (like trading Bynum) that may not be in keeping with thier post Kobe plans...they need a to start ona direction ASAP be it with Kobe or without...otherwise it is just increasing the time the lakers will be in willy nilly land.
Posted by: Kiwi | June 21, 2007 at 10:43 AM
Nice post guys....did you forget Kobe's no-trade clause. Even if the Lakers came up with a great deal they couldn't refuse, Kobe has the ultimate say of where he will and will not go.
I'm still of the beliefe that he'll be in a Lakers uni for a while but I see we've had to explore other possibilities as well.
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | June 21, 2007 at 10:58 AM
East Coast Jessie,
We didn't forget about the no trade clause. Why would you ask that?
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | June 21, 2007 at 11:12 AM
kobe has proven he can't be trusted, trade him before he does any more damage.
Posted by: east coast fan | June 21, 2007 at 11:21 AM
Do the people with the extra long posts and reposts realize no one reads them?
Posted by: HTJ | June 21, 2007 at 11:24 AM
Please trade Kobe! ... on the condition that KL and Steven must stay on this blog, so I can read the other team's blog in peace!
Posted by: Kobe Apologist | June 21, 2007 at 11:24 AM
Awww, why'd you have to go and bring Devin Green into all of this? Now I'm sad. Just think where we would've been this season with DG on the roster, sure would've been a lot cheaper than paying Shammond.
Posted by: J. Walter Weatherman | June 21, 2007 at 11:31 AM
"Do the people with the extra long posts and reposts realize no one reads them?"
If you'd like to survive the oncoming Zombie Outbreak, I suggest you read mine.
Rakishly,
Generic "Nothin like the smell of burnt Zombie in the morning" One
Posted by: generic_one | June 21, 2007 at 11:33 AM
So lets now make a summary how the week has progressed?
1. Trading Kobe - the answer is NO from Jerry Buss. Whatever rumors are whether from Barcelona or ESPN, the contract will supercede any rumor that he can opt out only by 2009. Whether he cries, stomp his feet, haters proclaim, shouts...the contract will superced all those action. Case Closed
2. Getting Jason Kidd - the Nets GM Stefani has declared that Kidd will stay with the Nets. The same is true with VC and Jefferson, they want to try another run with Nenad Krystic healthy and serviceable. No chance for trading Bynum for Kidd.
3. Getting Artest - Based on a rumor from a Laker fan residing in Sacto, one of the Maloof brothers negated any prospect of helping or hiring any Laker. The evidence was clear that rumor was true when Reggie Theuss was hired as a new coach instead of Kirk, so Ron-ron will NEVER be traded with the much hated Lakers by the Maloof Brothers. If Artest is not available, the same is true with Mike Bibby, all Laker trades with Sacto are not feasible because of that shot by Rob Horry which is still reverberating in the heart of the Maloofs.
4. Getting KG - No deal according to the owner, Glenn Taylor and from McHale, another lephrachaun, tho' they want to go rebuilding so very much in a huddle with Suns, Celtics. Hopefully, KG does not end up with Suns or else game is over next season with KG, Nash and Stoudemire plus Barbosa, Diaw and tinker Bell on the wing. I cannot think of better line up than that.
So far what are the hottest rumors for the Lakers
A. Jermaine O'Neal - it a see-saw battle changing its complexion everyday. The offer on the table includes Troy Murphy for Odom, Bynum and Kwame. One sticking point there is Odom, so this will go all the way to 7/1 under intense negotiations with Larry, the lephrachaun.
B. Head & Bonzi - this is hot both teams are motivated. Rockets need Cook and Sasha in order to decongest the low post on Yao Ming. Cook's three point shooting, the same with Sasha will make the Rockets formidable in offense but not in defense. However the inclusion of Head & Bonzi will make the Lakers a defensive team and hopefully, Bonzi will be healthy, he can be second to Kobe. The disadvantage of this trade, it was revealed too early, other jealous teams or Laker haters might kill the trade.
Here are my other deals:
1. Get the retiring Chris Webber to purple and gold. Just imagine he will team up with Bonzi, Kobe & Lamar that's also a good team
2. Consider retiring ZO Mourning who does not cost much if we cannot get any of the Centers that we're discussing. He can play defense better than Bynum based on current age. You will not spend 2M for ZO spending his extended retirement service with the Lakers.
3. Consider Charlie Bell, Mo Williams, Steve Blake, Theodoros Paploukas or Rudy Fernandez as PG's. Any of these names will improve the work of Smush and could train Jordan Farmar.
Any other trade rumors you can add...please feel free. Let's talk business rather than blogger's personalities.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | June 21, 2007 at 11:37 AM
Celtics: KG to Boston Hits a Snag
http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_22409.shtml
Graven: Garnett, Bryant, Stoudemire Changing Addresses?
http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_22410.shtml
Brigham: How Does KG Get to Beantown?
http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_22408.shtml
Big-name hunting
Marion most likely of marquee players to be traded
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/chris_mannix/06/21/marion/index.html
Where Does Marion End Up?
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/chris_mannix/06/21/marion/index.html
Don't trade Kobe, he's all L.A. has
http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/6945924?CMP=OTC-K9B140813162&ATT=73
John Smallwood | Kobe does Sixers a favor by leaving them off his list
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/20070621_John_Smallwood___Kobe_does_Sixers_a_favor_by_leaving_them_off_his_list.html
Posted by: J-Cool | June 21, 2007 at 11:38 AM
repost
MAMBA24,
“That does not mean I won't check my back for a Knife
in it after every blog with you lol, but thanks”
no backstabbing from me. frontstabbing, though, I will do.
EAST COAST FAN
“kobe being hated has nothing to do with racism,it has to do with the fact that the guy has no character, no morals and can't be trusted.”
nicely put.
HUGO BOSS (BOSSMAN)
“Lakers before any player. Kobe is my favorite player. Why can't the Lakers keep things internal. Just like the Malone accusations of making a pass at Kobe's wife.”
this is Sideshow Kob’s MO, make a fuss and get everyone pissed in the organization. these kind of people are typically cancerous to any team …………sports or otherwise.
Posted by: KLBeast | June 21, 2007 at 11:38 AM
Weatherman,
No need for sadness. The title was just going for the irony/dry humor quotient. We at Lakersblog like Devin Green. Good kid, showed some improvement. Personally, I would have kept him and waived McKie, especially since they didn't end up trading McKie's contract, anyway.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | June 21, 2007 at 11:39 AM
Please dont start with the Zombie crap, I just dont get it.
This is Lakers blog isnt it?
Posted by: tripgame3 | June 21, 2007 at 11:45 AM
J. Walter Weathermen,
If we have Devin Green and Danilo Pinnock playing defense, rebounding defering the ball to the shooters, we could have won 50 games. Can we pass the Suns with their inclusion, the answer was NO way! That should be the mentality of Mitch Kupchak when getting drafts, free agents or anything, can we pass the Suns? We blonged to the same division, the next question will be, can we pass the Mavericks and the Blazer young and energetic players? Lastly, can we beat the defending Champ?
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | June 21, 2007 at 11:45 AM
Generic_One, " "Do the people with the extra long posts and reposts realize no one reads them?"
If you'd like to survive the oncoming Zombie Outbreak, I suggest you read mine. Rakishly, Generic
"Nothin like the smell of burnt Zombie in the morning" One"
Stop that G! Besides he was refering to me, and he was right, but I just couldn't help
it. Mike T allowed me to have the best day at work I've ever had. As for those
Zombies, they are some tricky characters and you do know there are some good
Zombies too! lol
Ps. The Zombie Manual is a damn good survival guide I would suggest everybody
clip it out
Posted by: Mamba24 | June 21, 2007 at 11:48 AM
EAST COAST FAN
“kobe has proven he can't be trusted, trade him before he does any more damage.”
more damage? what more can kobe do? let me do an inventory, kobe destroyed a laker almost-dynasty that took roughly 10 years to build around shaq, and now is destroying any hopes of a quick rebuilding period by devaluing the trade value of himself and his teammates. I hope Sideshow Kob turns an ankle or twists a knee next season.
KOBE APOLOGIST
“Please trade Kobe! ... on the condition that KL and Steven must stay on this blog, so I can read the other team's blog in peace!”
I’ll be happy to have your lips leave this blog attached to kobe’s a$$. BTW, I might just show up to wherever kobe lands and give kobe loyalist there a hard time especially when the laker rise up again post kobe “the laker champion killer” Bryant. did you know the Spurs are kobe’s biggest fans? kobe killed off the laker dynasty and now the spurs have taken over. I think, we should ship kobe to the Spurs, so kobe can destroy the Spurs dynasty. Mabye in a year, Duncan will ask to be traded, then we can sign Duncan a la Miami with Shaq. you keep eating kobe’s poop and telling yourself it taste good.
Posted by: KLBeast | June 21, 2007 at 11:48 AM
So why have Adande and Wilbon been critical of Kobe?
Posted by: exhelodrvr | June 21, 2007 at 11:54 AM
AK,
I ask because people are indicating that the Lakers organization has more leverage here and that doesn't appear to be the case. Do you disagree?
The organization will not get back equal value for Kobe no matter what they choose to do or not. If you really stop and think, don't you think Kobe has them by the b*lls?
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | June 21, 2007 at 11:59 AM
The Jim Alexander in the Press-Enterprise is a good one. The Lakers have little to lose in holding on to Kobe for 2 more years. As his thinking goes, if the team is guaranteed NOT to get value in return, then let him play out the next 2 seasons and take the cap space. It's not a foolish thought.
But Kobe has some leverage. He can continue to spout off and hinder the team's chances at making major moves (which Kupchak implied has already happened). He can sit out (which many, including SI's Marty Burns, see as unlikely b/c of endorsements, etc.) Or, he can basically mail it in until he's moved.
If a major move isn't made, and Kobe isn't moved, this could be a TOXIC situation. How can he lead the teammates he dissed all summer? How can they trust him? If he continues the verbal bombs, will the fans support him? And for how long. If Kobe gets desperate to get out before the season, then he could make T.O. look like Tim Duncan. Not saying this WILL happen. But it COULD if he remains an unhappy camper. Barring a major move, the '07-'08 season could be lost before it starts.
Alexander also echoes Plaschke's latest piece. But judge for yourself.
Either way, I don't like the way this is shaping up at all.
Posted by: Peace | June 21, 2007 at 12:03 PM
Mamba24,
What you posted on Mike T were true as of yesterday but not today. Cool heads intervened and the threatening words went with the twister that was blown by summer winds. Time to forget, forgive and move to the next business. Be nice to Mike T and he promises to be nice to PJ too.
Peace
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | June 21, 2007 at 12:03 PM
East Coast Jessie,
I guess it depends on how you define "leverage." The Lakers definitely have leverage in the sense that they don't "have" to trade Kobe (at least not for now) and other than make a stink, Kobe can't really "do" anything about it. And by declaring he doesn't want to stay no matter what moves are made, in a roundabout way, he may have done the Lakers a favor. That may decrease their urgency to gut the team for Kobe and potentially take on contracts/players they don't want, since he's saying "don't bother." I don't know if that's how the Lakers are feeling right now, but I could see that being the reaction. From there, they basically tell Kobe, "we don't care if you're happy. Get your ass on the court and play."
On the other hand, if the Lakers are eventually going to have to trade Kobe (and I personally think they will), I feel that the longer they wait, the less received in return. Throw in the no-trade clause (which limits your options to begin with) and the pickings get even slimmer. Plus, I don't think you can enter a season under these circumstances. It's just too adversarial on a lot of levels. So in that sense, you could say Kobe holds the cards, in terms of his effect on a bigger picture.
Again, depends on how you look at it.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | June 21, 2007 at 12:12 PM
Kobe does have them by the balls and rightfully he should. The organization plain and simple needs to make the moves they promised him when they signed him as a free agent. They should have moved Bynum last year for Kidd.
Now they need to make the Murphy, O'Neal for Odom, Bynum deal in order to have any chance this year. WE dont have to keep Murphy, we can always package him with say a Radman and get a decent center by trade deadline next year. If not, Murphy can fit the triangle by being able to knock down the outside shot.
Posted by: tripgame3 | June 21, 2007 at 12:14 PM
Mitchell,
"The current Clippers would trounce those Knicks and Celtics ugly teams.
Any team that has both Sam Cassell and Chris Kayman, coached by Dunleavy, is a lock."
Now that's funny. Kudos.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | June 21, 2007 at 12:17 PM
You're right AK...
The Lakers do have th "power" right now in terms of refusing to trade Kobe BUT like you said...the longer they wait, the slimmer the pickings will be. Are L.A. fans going to stick by a team with virtually no true star talents?
I mean really, even if the Chicago trade were to happen, what would you get Ben Gordon?
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | June 21, 2007 at 12:20 PM
If people are willing to blast upper management, they're forgetting the BIGGEST blunders: the ones that got away. Since AK opened the gates on that with mention of Devin Green, I think we should take a moment and honor the fallen, those Lakers who went on to greener pastures... and whose absences we still regret:
10) Travis Knight
9) Mark Madsen (actually, I really do miss him, but I'm putting him on the list for his Elaine Benez dancing)
8) Tyronn Lue
7) Lindsay Hunter
6) Mike Penberthy
5) Smush Parker
4) Pig Miller
3) The fat center who looked like Sinbad
2) George Lynch
1) Von Wafer
What are we waiting for?! Kupchak must go!!!
Posted by: Marty | June 21, 2007 at 12:20 PM
Edwin Gueco, " Mamba24, What you posted on Mike T were true as of yesterday but not today. Cool heads
intervened and the threatening words went with the twister that was blown by summer winds. Time to forget,
forgive and move to the next business. Be nice to Mike T and he promises to be nice to PJ too."
As always I must respect respect my mentor and as always edwin you are right.
MIKE T. I APOLOGIZE, YOU ARE A BIGGER MAN THAN I AM.
Let us now march on to victory in Laker Nation as we await the arrival of KG, LO, Artest, or whomever.
Thanks Edwin for keeping me centered.
Posted by: Mamba24 | June 21, 2007 at 12:28 PM
East Coast Jessie,
"Are L.A. fans going to stick by a team with virtually no true star talents? I mean really, even if the Chicago trade were to happen, what would you get Ben Gordon?"
Well, I think they won't make the trade without getting Luol Deng, who looks like a really good player in the making. And frankly, Gordon ain't nothing to sneeze at, either. But to answer your first question, not to sound like an old fashioned fuddy duddy (or just naive), but I would like to think fans base their loyalty on more than just pure star power. People talk all the time about how the Spurs have no charisma. I imagine it's still pretty fun rooting for those dudes.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | June 21, 2007 at 12:29 PM
Mamba,
Thanks for that recap of yesterday's foot stopming tirade by the always delusional Mike T.
Hey AK/BK,
I bet you had no idea that people all over the Laker Nation were coming here to read what the venerable Mike Teniente has to say!
Posted by: PhxLkrFan | June 21, 2007 at 12:39 PM
Mamba24,
"As always I must respect respect my mentor and as always edwin you are right"
Dude where's your back bone ... syke nah edwin's got skills like that ... he got me to rescind my ship you know whom to you know where rants ... I'm still thinking them though
Posted by: Taliq | June 21, 2007 at 12:41 PM
PhxLkrfan,
We're just honored (and humbled, frankly) at the opportunity to provide a sounding board.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | June 21, 2007 at 12:43 PM
Taliq, "Mamba24, "As always I must respect respect my mentor and as always edwin you are right"
Dude where's your back bone ... syke nah edwin's got skills like that ... he got me to rescind my ship
you know whom to you know where rants ... I'm still thinking them though"
Taliq I was seduced by the dark side of the Force and Edwin pulled me away just in time. lol!!
It's all good Brother. Taint nothing but a little sport.
Posted by: Mamba24 | June 21, 2007 at 12:50 PM
I am not sure that Kobe has ever really complained before to management. Maybe I have just missed it somewhere along the line, but I have never heard Kobe state that he called Jerry or Mitch and said get JKidd. He keeps saying that he put his trust in the front office and they betrayed him but not once have I heard him say that he has been complaining to them for the past 2 years about getting him more help and they have ignored me.
One thing I was told by a colleague and mentor was that if you do not complain to management, management assumes everything is OK. I have a feeling that Kobe may have got himself stuck in this situation. He has been stating, up until recently, that this was a process and a journey with this young team. So even though we all wanted big chances to happen (as fans), management may have thought everything was OK and this young team was coming along and Kobe was OK with how things were progressing.
Just a thought. What do you all think?
Phantom
Posted by: Phantom | June 21, 2007 at 12:52 PM
FROM PALM BEACH, FLORIDA
KOBE, DESERVES A TIME OUT LIKE MARK KRIEGEL SAID. THIS IS WHAT HE REALLY NEEDS RIGHT NOW.
I GIVE HIM THE TIME OUT!!
SHEKOBE
Posted by: SHEKOBE | June 21, 2007 at 12:53 PM
KLBeast,
"I’ll be happy to have your lips leave this blog attached to kobe’s a$$."
I'm not one to encourage bad behaviour, but umm dat sh*t was funny.
Real talk though, what haters don't get though is it's a really great feeling to have your lips attached to kobe a$$ while he helps his team come from behind to win game 7 against portland ... just as much fun to have our lips planted there when he makes 81 points look so easy.
Posted by: Taliq | June 21, 2007 at 12:55 PM
I think we regress if we get JO for Bynum and Odem. The Head/Wells deal makes a lot of sense. I would rather see upgrades like that, that way if KB bolts next year you haven't mortgaged your future.
As far as the draft LA better not pick Jason Smith. They don't need another Brian Cook. Get Law, Young, the kid from Gtech, athletes. LA has drafted a bunch of non athletic players over the years. Take a look at who Dallas and Phoenixs draft and copy them. The Suns team other than Nash was built on the draft, why can't LA do the same thing?
Posted by: emo | June 21, 2007 at 12:58 PM
Good one Marty
"The Fat Center Who Looked like Sinbad" Sean Rooks, I presume.
Posted by: rdlee | June 21, 2007 at 12:58 PM
AK,
You would think that about true fans but L.A. is known for it's star power, for it's dynasties...you can't go from Kobe Bryant to Luol Deng and expect to get the same enthusiasm from fans. Deng and Gordon are great players but they get some attention because they're on the East Coast where we're seriously lacking excitement.
The Spurs are definitely a boring team but they do have a few pieces (Parker & Ginobili) that make it exciting. Unfortunately, theiir lack of emotion which starts at the top with the coach, prevents them from drawing a true fan base. They couldn't even sell out a playoff game.
Even the Celtics sell out a game or two here and there when the Lakers or Cleveland are in town.
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | June 21, 2007 at 01:03 PM
The Lakers need to make up this entire team.
Make the Jermaine trade or KG trade.
If the Busses feel ofended by Kobe...After they get Jermaine or Garnett, they can change Kobe for Wallace, Nocioni, Gordon, Duhon. They
can get Head and Bonzi Wells and from there you can add pieces.
Wallace, Brown
O'Neal or Garnett (Garnett is long shot...Mchale won trade him to Lakers.)
Nocioni, Bonzi, Vlad.
Gordon, Heat
Duhon, Farmar.
Trading Kobe...maybe will apiece Buss ego.
Off course, MItch and Buss jr are most sure to scrub this up than get a work well done.
Now...can the Busses repair the image that from now on is running by NBA circles.?
The inmature clan, the drugs, the alcohol, the sluts, the dysfunctional way of running
the franchises?
Will be hard, They need to ensemble a winning team.
By now...In the LATIMES survey of best GM - Owner of LA, Jerry Buss appair in a distant third.
Posted by: jorema | June 21, 2007 at 01:04 PM
east coast fan
"kobe has proven he can't be trusted, trade him before he does any more damage."
talking about damages,
why not trade the whole FO, they're the one who made made these damages...
Posted by: DaxxMD | June 21, 2007 at 01:04 PM
Trip:
"Please dont start with the Zombie crap, I just dont get it."
As a fellow Lakers fan, I can only suggest you start getting "it" before you "get it." Got it?
Posted by: The D | June 21, 2007 at 01:08 PM
Chicago won't make a trade including Deng and Gordon in the same package.
They turned down Memphis triying to get Gasol.
So, Lakers will have to wait the 2 years and get cap to make a shot in Garnett.
Kobe will be hear these 2 years and that's it.
Posted by: jorema | June 21, 2007 at 01:10 PM
Ex,
'Lakers management is not trying their hardest to be a true contender'
Although possible I have several problems with that line of thinking
1) ultimately it is just not giving their market what it wants.The fans demand more than that...it cannot fly in the longer term.And how long was Kobe going to put up with such a situation? he would definitley opt out..if not do what he is doing now especially if as you say he was already moaning at them behind closed doors.They must have some idea of Kbes personality by now and figuring his actions into their decisions must feature in their decision making.
2) I see nothing about the moves exactly that indicate such an approach.Butler for Kwame was ultimately a bad move and its debatable how bad it was at the time...but theres nothing about the move that adds weight to the argument they were trying to be average.
Then you could talk about the non - moves.But the Lakers did the correct thing in theory which was pick a line and stick with it to see how it shaped up.I didn't really see at which point was the time for a trade.People forget that at times the lakers showed considerable promise...would you have made a move last summer after a promising 7 game series against the suns? or in the first half of last season which was also promising?
They assembled a roster around a star and a coach they felt could exert their considerable influence and experience to mould mould players with potential like Lamar,Kwame and Smush into a decent unit....they were not in desperate 'lets make a trade mode' and were prepared to let their moves settle.For the most part the player who would have most likely been traded at any point up to the deadline last year would have been Odom.Nobody else was really tradeable.
And what genuinely good moves did you see discussed on this trade loving blog the last couple of years? there were none during the bad times. apart from desperation Artest, francis,type ones...I myself did suggest gasol...but for the first half of last season NOBODY wanted a trade.They couldnt have traded Bynum if they wanted to it would have been too unpopular!
At last years deadline they apparently could have had Kidd but maybe they just didnt like the trade...its debatable how well we would have done in the west without a centre presuming you trade Kwame and Bynum...or without Odom.it just wasnt the great option alot of people want to believe...and thats BEFORE you start looking into the longer term implications of such a trade (especially if Kobe is already showing signs of being unhappy)so then we come to this summer which is the first legitimate opportunity for a trade and its clear something needs to be done.Even then it may be tacticly better to wait until next season but it was clear for the fans and Kobe something would have to be done and the lakers appeared to accept that and said it would be (Bynum included)
In my mind Kobes only real excuse is if he has been told categorically that the lakers WILL NOT be trading Bynum EVER.
To me we are weighing up the probabillity of the lakers making a genuine attempt and to build a team with every reason to do so with alot of evidence that they have been restricted by the nature of their business and the state of their team (be it good or bad at certain crucual times)
vs
the probability that they would rest on laurels that they clearly dont have and not make a genuine attempt.
I stick by my original argument that the attempt was genuine and people dont have enough patience or realise the enormity of the things that must be considered when building a basketball team.
Posted by: Kiwi | June 21, 2007 at 01:13 PM
Long time reader, first time poster.
Trade Odom and Kwame for Shaq. Think of the publicity, the press coverage. Who knows how it would work out, but it might. Play them together for two more years of soap opera, then let them both go. I think Shaq only has two years left on his contract, maybe three. You at least get cap space to bring someone in to play with Bynum by then. Use the mid-level on a pg, play Turiaf and Cook at the 4. We got by with Samaki, we can get by with them. Or see if you can get Webber. Resign Walton to play the Fox role. How about a Mo Williams-Kobe-Walton-Webber-Shaq line-up? Got Turiaf-Farmar-Radman-Sasha-Evans-Bynum on the bench.
Posted by: johne | June 21, 2007 at 01:13 PM
jorema
One thing.....Gasol....Bryant...Gasol....Bryant
No comparison whatsoever!
By the time Kobe opts out in 2009, KG would have either signed a new extension with the Wolves or been traded elsewhere. He can opt out a year before Kobe in 2008.
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | June 21, 2007 at 01:15 PM
EMO,
I agree with you when it comes to LA needing to select athletic players in the draft. I havent seen Sasha dunk once in a game and Cook isnt a high flyer either. Cook needs to work on his offense with his back to the basket.
I disagree with you on the Bynum deal. I dont think Bynum is going to be that great of a player 10 years from now. Oneal adds defense in the paint which is what the lakers need the most, followed by a defensive pg(Head). Although Oneal was an all star in the weak east, hes still can guard the post better than say Odom or a young Bynum. The only thing I question about Oneal is his ability to get shots in the paint, he takes too many jump shots for a big man. I think we need defense now, rather than wait on a possible project.
Posted by: tripgame3 | June 21, 2007 at 01:23 PM
I always thought Kevin Duckworth, nee Trail Blazers, was the Sinbad center. He should team up with Antoine Walker who is the Anthony Anderson (Romeo Must Die and many others) small forward. Hijinks would ensue.
Posted by: The D | June 21, 2007 at 01:24 PM
D,
stop being immature and let the real laker fans write about real Laker issues. Not stupid zombies. find another blog for that crap!
not trying to piss anyone off, but lets keep it clean and have educated comments.
Thanks tru Laker fans..
Posted by: tripgame3 | June 21, 2007 at 01:26 PM
the fo has caused kobe to act like a whiney, selfish brat? he wanted to be the main guy on the team, he wanted to prove he could do it without shaq, how has that worked out? you don't call your teammates out publicly, how can they ever trust this guy again? by his inmature actions, he has made it much more difficult to get anyone good to come to the lakers. ray allen sure knew what he was talking about.
Posted by: east coast fan | June 21, 2007 at 01:27 PM
Ex,
Furthermore this theory holds when considering the personalities involved.
its by no means a stretch to look at Kobe and see that he sees the world only thorugh his own eyes...and therefore doing everything possible meant doing literally everyhting possible to the point of stupidity?
or that Jackson would back himself to get the young players to overachieve and master his triangle and zen like ways?
or that the buss's would sit there and back themselves to eventually pull off a blinding trade at some point that could put the team over the edge?
They went young becasue they set out to build a dynasty backing themselves to develop young players and believing in Kobe their coach and themselves.
To me the whole thing has got a lot more to do with a culture of arrogance in the organisation after so much success....you dont approach it like everyone else and believe you can make it happen.(this incidnetally is why the team would always lose those easy games)
On the contrary to not makng a genuine effort ,I believe they went for the motherload and it backfired.
Posted by: Kiwi | June 21, 2007 at 01:33 PM